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Floyd Simmons Obituary
'Chunk'
Mr. Simmons, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008. He was born in Charlotte on April 10, 1923 and remained a resident there most of his life.
Mr. Simmons attended Central High School, Staunton Military Academy and the University of North Carolina. Chunk was awarded bronze medals in the Olympic Decathlon in London 1948 and in Helsinki 1952. Chunk was a photographer, artist, film actor, and raconteur and continued to compete in athletic events the remainder of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd M. 'Coach' Simmons, Eleanor Alexander Simmons. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Suzanne Simmons Cochrane and Betty Simmons Hamrick. Mr. Simmons is survived by a daughter, Suzanne Sloan, her husband Paul and son, Maui Sloan. Chunk enjoyed a close personal relationship with many nieces and nephews throughout his life.
A memorial service for Mr. Simmons will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 22nd, at Christ Episcopal Church, 1412 Providence Road, Charlotte. The reception will follow at the church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chunk's memory can be made to Dowd YMCA - Attention Financial Development, 400 E. Morehead St., Charlotte 28202.
To send online condolences visit charlottefuneral-services.com.
T.H. Robertson Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Simmons.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Floyd Simmons
Bill Mays
May 8, 2008
What a loss! I just learned of my old pal's passing. I last talked with him on the phone, March 29th, three days before he died. On April 10th Floyd would have been 85. I had sent him a cheery birthday card which he, sadly, never read. He and I were friends for over 60 years and kept in contact via telephone and postal mail. We roomed together during our track days at USC in 1947. I was a polevaulter and he was training for the '48 Olympics in the decathlon. Floyd was a tremendous athlete, great competitor, and a true friend. God bless you my friend! May you rest in peace.
Ana Suarez Fleming
April 17, 2008
I grew up on Hermitage Court and always enjoyed the conversations with Chunk. Since I was a runner, he was always encouraging me and sharing his track and field experiences. What a joy he was to listen too. This city has lost a genuine, loving friend.
Carole Mallamo
April 16, 2008
My husband, Joe Mallamo, played handball with Chunk before we moved to Hermitage Ct. in 1975 and have remained good friends with him since then. Even after Joe died in 1998, I have considered Chunk one of my most favorite and interesting friends. Hermitage Ct. was never the same after he moved and he will always be missed.
Jim Wheeler
April 14, 2008
We all admired Chunk from afar, being nephews of Keg Wheeler. His 'legend' lives on within our family. My deepest sympathys.
Reginald Cole
April 14, 2008
You will be missed by a lot of people
bronze one.
Reggie
Jane Stewart Thomas
April 12, 2008
He was a very special friend. He had so many talents and lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by many of us. Jane Stewart Thomas
Virginia and Parker Whedon
April 11, 2008
Parker Whedon and I, Virginia, his wife, were introduced by Chunk in 1983 at the opening of his photography studio in The Villa on Providence Road. He was a lifelong friend of Parker, and Virginia's next door neighbor on Hermitage Court for several years. Chunk was a charming and personable man with many talents and a fascinating history, from Central High School to the Olympics to Hollywood and Tahiti. He had many friends, including Oscar and Juddi Penegar, Lewis Jones, and my husband Parker. They are but a few who knew and loved him. We will miss him so much. Thank you for this opportunity to express some of our feelings about our friend.
Paul and Pat Pensabene
April 11, 2008
We have known Chunk for many years. He was a fine person and gifted photographer. He photographed two of our daughters weddings in Charlotte. A fine man with a good sense of humor and many talents.
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