Roy Franklin Simms, age 52 years, a resident of Elkins, passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, November 17, 2012. He was born November 13, 1960 in Elkins a son of the late Robert William Simms and the late Mildred Florida Lewis Simms. On May 30, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada, he was married to his loving wife, Mary Diann “Dee” Simms who survives. Also surviving are four brothers, Robert Simms, Centerville, MD, Richard Simms and Ronald Simms both of Washington, DC., Roger Simms of Georgia, a sister, Shirley Yates of Ohio. several nieces and nephews and many friends. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Dora Dailey and Luella Johnson. Roy attended the schools of Randolph County, was a graduate of Elkins High School and later the University of Detroit. He was an outstanding high school and college athlete who starred in basketball, football, baseball and track. He was a former coach of the Elkins High School Boys Basketball Team and currently served as assistant coach of the Davis & Elkins College Men’s Basketball Team. Roy’s remains were cremated. A service of remembrance will be held at 7:00 pm Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Harper-mcNeely Auditorium on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. Following the service, a Celebration of Roy’s Life will be held at Halliehurst. Memorial contributions may be made to the Roy F. Simms Scholarship Fund, c/o Davis & Elkins College, 100 Campus Drive, Elkins, WV 26241 in memory of Roy. The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Roy Franklin Simms.
