Gary Simms Obituary
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Born on August 27, 1944, in Charleston, West Virginia, Gary lived a life full of laughter, love, and music.
Gary had a big heart and easy smile. He could light up a room with his stories and his guitar, and he never missed a chance to make someone laugh. Music was his passion - he loved playing the guitar and sharing songs with family and friends. If there was a tune playing, chances are Gary was tapping his foot or strumming along.
Gary will be remembered for his love of music, storytelling, songs and sense of humor.
He is survived by his life partner, Esther Sell; his sister, Joyce Rowe; his sons, Gary (Billie) Simms Jr., Jeff (Lisa) Simms, and Jake (Whitney) Simms; and his daughters, Vanessa Simms, Alice (Matt) Holland, Phylicia (Terry) Cummings, Lyndsey Simms, and Leslie (Mendell) Williams. Gary was proud of his big, loving family - 15 grandkids and 14 great-grandkids who brought him endless joy.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice Simms, stepfather, Robert Simms, and sisters, Alice Hornsby, Burma Wriston, and Judy Hunt.
A Celebration of Gary's life will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 5 - 8 p.m. at Shenanigan's Pub, 220 S Jefferson St., Lisbon, Ohio 44432. Family and friends are invited to come share stories, laughter, and good music in his honor - just the way Gary would have wanted.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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129 N Lisbon St, Carrollton, OH 44615
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