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Archie Leland Simmons

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Old Dominion University University of Georgia

Archie Simmons Obituary

A. Leland Simmons VIRGINIA BEACH - Archie Leland Simmons, 63, passed away Feb. 4, 2009. Born in Norfolk, he was the son of Leslie Walter Simmons and Thelma Twiford Simmons. He was preceded in death by his brother, Leslie Walter Simmons Jr. He was a member of Galilee Episcopal Church in Virginia Beach. He graduated from Frederick Military Academy in Portsmouth and the University of Georgia, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He received his master's degree in English from Old Dominion University. He had a 38-year career in banking and was most recently executive vice president of Towne Bank. Leland was a gentleman, a scholar, an artist, a father and a true friend and we are all better for having known him. He was a lifelong sportsman and he enjoyed hunting and sailing. This love of the outdoors manifested itself in the beautiful paintings he created for "Ducks Unlimited" and local collectors. He was an active member of the Princess Anne Country Club. He is survived by his loving wife, Noel Sawyer Briddell Simmons. Leland is also survived by his beloved friend and mother of his children, Donna Eure; a daughter, Erin Teal Simmons, DVM; a son, Archie Leland Simmons Jr., CPA and his wife Margaret McCaa Simmons and Leland's grandson, Cameron Webster Simmons. The way Leland lived his life is best conveyed by one of his favorite quotes by Ralph Waldo Emerson, "To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch...to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!" And by all accounts, Leland succeeded. A memorial service will be held in Galilee Episcopal Church Wednesday at 2 p.m. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Laskin Road Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.hdoliver.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Virginia Beach SPCA or to a charity of your choice.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Feb. 7, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Archie Simmons

16 Entries

Diana Hubbs

February 19, 2009

I was so saddened to hear of Leland’s passing. In reading the entries in this guest book, Leland is someone I wish I had known. His friend’s words are such a tribute to him. I was unable to attend the memorial service but please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, Noel, during this difficult time. I hope that the memories of the time you had together will bring comfort to you.

Richard McMillan

February 10, 2009

I owe much to Leland as he was a mentor to me at the beginning of my career. Some of my happiest memories are of the lunches that he, Bill Fruit, and I shared together while at Princess Anne Bank. Listening to and watching him provided a priceless education. I think of him often when visiting my mother's house where several of his DU prints adorn the walls. He was a gentle-man is every sense of the word and will be sorely missed.

Rick Romano

February 10, 2009

Just got the news last night. Leland and I had a special friendship. After helping me get my first mortgage we put away the paperwork and talked about art for hours. It remained that way for the next 16 years. I saw him over Christmas and he gave me that certain smile once again and we talked art and friendship...Leland, you will so be missed my brother.

Brian Murden

February 10, 2009

Leland, you will be missed by many. My head sunk low when I heard the news. I may not have known you as long as some, but you were always there when needed. From my first home to your donations in art to Back Bay Restoration Foundation and Ducks Unlimited and I am sure many others. You will surely be missed by many. My thoughts go out to all the family and friends. I regret that I cannot attend the service, but know, you are all in my thoughts.

Sincerely,
Brian Murden

Mary Linda & Dennis Merklinger

February 9, 2009

Erin---we were so sorry to hear about your Dad-know that our thoughts and prayers are with you-

Jane Powell

February 9, 2009

How very, very sad I felt upon learning of Leland's death. As his former sister-in-law, I had always been so touched & grateful by the years of kindnesses he showered on my children; Leslie, Robert & Carrie. Leland was a special man who has left a rich legacy of memories to all who loved him. My sincerest condolences to all of his family & friends.

David and Marcia Hughes

February 9, 2009

We only knew Leland for a few years through sailing. He was always a pleasure to be with. We will greatly miss him. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Eric Lackey

February 9, 2009

Leland has been my friend and personal banker for more than 25 years. He has advised me through ups and downs and was always my "rock" and advocate at Towne Bank. We shared a common passion and enjoyment of art and the outdoors. He was always encouraging, went over and above in his level of service on my behalf, and was an all around good person. I will miss him. May family and friends always cherish his memories. God bless you.

Bob Veith

February 7, 2009

Leland was a gentleman among gentlemen. I knew him for 25 years, and he will always be remembered with his soft speech and warm smile. The world is a much better place because of having Leland in it. To his family and friends, "cherish the memories".

Edwin Gresham

February 7, 2009

It was with deep sadness when I learned of my cousin Leland's passing. I will always cherish the memories of our family gatherings. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Leland ,I will miss you.

LESLIE OLIVER

February 7, 2009

I HAVE KNOWN LELAND FOR 53 YEARS. A FRIEND THAT I TRUSTED AND RESPECTED VERY MUCH. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Cathy Dalton

February 7, 2009

You will be missed, my friend. We are all truly better people for having known you. Deepest regrets to the family, you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Felix and Rita Hughes

February 7, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will always remember Leland for the twinkle in his eye, his willingness to help and his wonderful art, especially those that graced the covers of Virginia Wildlife.

Jeffrey Lefcoe

February 7, 2009

Words are not enough to express the sadness of hearing of Leland's passing. He leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him as we miss his friendship, humor, and winning smile. I will see the family at the funeral if not before and send warm wishes to them and sweet memories of our friend Leland.

Michael Ray Vaughan

February 7, 2009

Leland you will be greatly missed. Your soft spoken words and your works of art always gave my daddy and I comfort. I will always cherrish all your painting as I most likely own more that anybody in Hampton Roads.Tell my Dad hi as I know you are in a better place now. God Bless

hugh hamilton

February 7, 2009

If being a nice guy is worth anything at all, then Leland was wealthy beyond measure. He always treated anyone and everyone well, and he made certain that those close to him were content...his life gave people pleasure, and his bank family will always remember what he was to them.

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