Larry Dale Simmons

Larry Dale Simmons, Sr., 94, passed away on May 27th, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Harold and Julia Vashti Kelly Simmons. Larry was born the third son of Harold and Julia, in Newport, NC on September 25, 1930. Larry grew up on a farm but at 19 left for Savannah, GA, where he began driving a truck and the trucking profession became his life for the next 71 years. He has done it all in the trucking profession from driving to mechanic work to finally owning his own company. After retiring, Larry continued to work as a consultant for another company. Larry was very influential in Georgia Motor Trucking and Truck Stop Ministries. Larry was a born-again Christian who always supported his church as long as he could. He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, youth leader, treasurer, and many other facets of the church. Larry’s final membership was at Reedy River Baptist Church in Greenville, SC.

He is survived by the love of his life of 71 years, Palma Dean Burroughs Simmons of Waynesville, NC; three children, Larry Dale Simmons, Jr., of Savannah, GA, David Mikell Simmons (Peggy) of Clyde, NC, and Lisa Dawn Simmons Allred (Jeff) of Youngsville, NC; grandchildren, Jason Simmons (Danielle), Joshua Simmons (Laura), Jesse Simmons (Erin), Brandon Lewis (Sally), Caleb Simmons (Sally), Rachel Robertson (Khalen), and Kathryn Pareago (Chris); eighteen great-grandchildren, Ariel, Josh, JP, Zerek, Foster, Cali, Khalessia, Hendrix, Skylar, Corbin, Emmalyn, Reid, Jaxon, Nyoka RaLou, Savannah Kate, Eleanor, James, and Matilda; one great-great-grandchild, Roman; his sisters, Rachel Wolfe of Washington, NC, Rita Mottern (Mike) of Niceville, FL, Jessie Harrington of Wendell, NC, and Ann Ray (Rick) of Zebulon, NC.

Larry was preceded in death by his brothers, Horace, Neil, Dick, Gaston, and Billy; his sisters, infant Ruby, Rose Raines, and Lauretta Whaley.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with the funeral service to follow at Reedy River Baptist Church in Greenville, SC.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11am, at Amariah Garner Cemetery in Newport, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Truck Stop Ministries at PO Box 80 Jackson, GA 30233 or For Haywood of Pinnacle Church at 415 Fibreville St. Canton, NC 28716.

In family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Haywood Lodge in Waynesville for their excellent care for Larry.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www. thehowzemortuary.com.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest, is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

Local arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.