Obituary
Guest Book
Gordon “Sonny” Eugene Simmons, 81, of Church Road passed away on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Born June 11, 1942, he was the son of the late Gordon Webb and Evelyn Kossick Simmons, and was also preceded in death by his brother, Hunter "Pookie" Simmons.
He was a skilled employee for Brown and Williamson in Petersburg and later for Honeywell, where he retired after many years of service. As a proud United States Army Reserve veteran, he exemplified patriotism and dedication.
Sonny appreciated the great outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he shared his love for nature generously. One of Sonny's affiliations was with the Sutherland Hunt Club, where he had many friendships with fellow enthusiasts who shared his love for hunting and the camaraderie that comes with it.
Sonny is survived by his loving partner, Barbara Lunsford; niece, Amy Lynn Dean and husband, Arthur "Bo", Jr.; nephew, Braden D. Simmons and wife, Shelly; great-nephews, Arthur "Bo" Dean III, Austin "Brandon" Dean, Ashton "Blakely" Dean, Braden D. Simmons, Jr., Dalton W. Simmons and wife, Alyssa, Greylen V. Simmons; sister-in-law, Janet Lynn Simmons; blended family, Leslie F. Decker and husband, Scott, Julie D. Fulp, John F. Fulp II; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved cousins.
The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. A graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday in Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, S. Prince George, Virginia 23805. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more