Floyd Simmons Jr.

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University of North Carolina

Floyd Simmons Obituary

Floyd Simmons, Jr.
'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.

Published by Charlotte Observer on Apr. 20, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Floyd Simmons

3 Entries

Lou Jewell ALC

April 15, 2009

“El Chunko” was working out at Myers Park High School when I first met him in 1966. It was my first work out getting ready for the upcoming track season. Chunk was always helpful with training ideas and techniques and stories, wonderful stories.

In 1967 he helped me along with Stuart Allen, Bill Simmons and Harry Morrow of the Charlotte Observer start the Charlotte Mecklenburg Tract Club. We held “all comers” tract meets every Wednesday at Myers Park High School during the summer to promote track and field. He also helped me start the first Charlotte marathon that fall. It was only eight miles starting from Southpark Shopping Center parking lot to the James K. Polk home.

He invited me to go with him for a week to Linville for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1967. I had won the NC State Track 100 yard and 220 yard and 880 Relay both in 1966 and 1967 while at Myers Park High School under Coach Stuart Allen.
Chunk had wanted me to compete at Grandfather Mountain since I had met him.

We stayed at Lees McCray College in Banner Elk student dorm and were a guest of Julian Morton at his private club Invershield each evening. I learn a lot about him during the week listening to his stories and listening to other who knew him.

One late afternoon while at Invershield, Chunk searched for a flat rock to draw on and a smaller one to sketch with. During our conversation, Chunk drew an Indian chief with full head dress on the rock. He was quiet an artist and I have always enjoyed his work. I still have the sketch he gave me.

Chunk was also an avid arrowhead collector. I took my son Jonathan over to see him when he around ten and Chunk had some arrowheads displayed on one of his book shelves at his home on Heritage Court where he had lived for years. He was very patient with Jonathan and shared his love of collecting. When we left, Chunk gifted my son with several of his booty. He was always full of life’s stories and generous with his time.

I had moved to New York City from 1974 to 1984 and did not get a chance to see him much, but I always called him on his birthday. The last time I saw him was the spring of 2006. I met him at his Queens Road home and we sat outside for over an hour talking about life and current events. I had found on the internet the NC High School track records going back past his high school years and had printed it out. I was so proud to give it to him because it not only had his name and records per events, but my as well. He received it graciously as he always gracious.

His living memory will follow me until my demise. I think of him often and cherish the time I spent with him.

Lou Jewell ALC
Pilot Mountain, NC

Lou Jewell

August 13, 2008

We will miss you, El Chunko

Carol Timblin

April 21, 2008

Charlotte has lost one of its greatest legends. Chunk Simmons brought national and international acclaim to the city he loved so dearly. Though he garnered two bronze medals in the Olympics, he was indeed "golden" in every aspect of his life. Chunk's spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of his family and the countless friends who admired and loved him.

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