R. Wayne Hub Simmons

R. Wayne ìHubî Simmons, 63, of Hendersonville, took the hand of Jesus, Monday, January 25, 2010 at Elizabeth House after a lengthy illness. He was the son of the late Mitchell and Margie Worsham Simmons, and was also preceded in death by his baby sister, Francine and his grandparents. A native of Fayetteville, TN, he was a 1964 graduate of Central High School. He was very active in the Future Farmers of America, and was on the Whoís Who list of FFA where he served in many positions. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Agronomy and a Masters degree in Agriculture Education.

He was an active, born again Christian of the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, where he served on several committees before his health prevented him from participating. He became a member and leader of Boy Scouts in 1983, first in Raleigh, in the Occoneeche Council, then in Franklin, in the Daniel Boone Council. He was again active with Occoneeche Council for several years before moving to Hendersonville. He became one of the leaders of Troop 628 at First Baptist Church in 1997. Due to his efforts, a Cub Scout Pack was formed as well as a Venturing Crew, which are both still active. The Troop has celebrated nineteen Eagle Scouts since 2001, and is expecting two more before the end of this year. He was a member of the Order of the Arrow, an honorary scouting organization, where he received the Vigil Honor in 1995, the Founders Award and the James E. West Award. He earned two Wood Badge Training Award Beads, one for Cub Scouts and one for Boy Scouts. He received the Silver Beaver Award in 2003, the highest award given by a Scout Council. He was an active member of the Association of Baptist for Scouting for many years, and received the God and Country Adult Religious Award. He hosted several ABS Reunion Conventions at Ridgecrest and Cragmont Freewill Baptist Camp.

In November 2007, when his health started failing, Troop 628 surprised him with a ìThis is your Life, Hub Simmonsî evening. Over 200 old friends came from all over the country to honor him. He said that most men didnít get to hear good things about themselves before they died, and he was most honored and humbled at the things that were said. He was a member of the Hendersonville Daybreak Lions Club, serving as Lion Tamer, Vice President and President. He was Chaplain for the Lions District 31 A for several years. He received the Lion of the Year, Melvin Jones and Jack Stickley Awards for his outstanding service. He was awarded the International Presidential Award for outstanding service in 2007 at the District Convention. Hub was born with disabilities, but never let that get in the way of serving. Even though he spent several years in a wheel chair, he still found a way to be of service to his community, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army at Christmas, as well as his service through the Lions Club and the Boy Scouts. He felt that serving by giving your time was as important as giving your money.

He had a goal to attend his forty-fifth high school reunion in Fayetteville, TN on Labor Day weekend, 2009. Even though he was gravely ill, he was able to meet that goal. His classmates honored him with a FFA blanket and a standing ovation, since everyone felt that it would be the last time all of them would be together.

Survivors include his loving wife and caregiver of fourteen years, Carol Hicks Simmons; two sons, Donovan M. Simmons, MD and his wife Connie of Austin, TX, David W. Simmons, RN of Austin, TX; a stepson, Stacy Hicks of Lexington, KY; a grandson Liam Donovan Simmons of Austin, TX; several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins in TN and AL; as well as six boys and one girl who called him Grandpa.

Two prior services were cancelled due to winter weather. A memorial has been rescheduled for 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2010, at First Baptist Church, Hendersonville. Dr. Gordon Elliott and Rev. Wally Shamburger will officiate. A memorial service and interment will also be held at Prospect Baptist Church and Cemetery in Fayetteville, TN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Troop 628, c/o Dan Dimirgin, 107 Braemer Dr. Hendersonville, NC 28791, or Four Seasons Compassion for Life, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731.