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Frank C. and Phyllis S. Simms Simms Obituary

Memorial Services for Frank Carney Simms (69) and wife, Phyllis Sutphin Simms (67) will be held at the Salem Church of Christ, Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. The Simms died as a result of a fatal auto accident on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 7:20 a.m. in Waldo, Florida.

Frank Carney Simms was born November 4, 1937 in Beckley, WV to Hubert Carlin Simms and Nancy Carney Simms. He was a graduate of Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, WV and then attended VPI in Blacksburg, VA where he studied Mechanical Engineering. He is survived by four sons, David, Frank C, II, Kevin, and Christopher; two daughters-in-law, Christina and Mariko and 9 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Kathryn and Virginia and three step daughters and a step son, Lori, Patti, Susan and Jon David. Frank is also survived by 4 nieces and 5 nephews. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Sue Ann Brown of Salem, and a sister, Nancy Benson, of Richmond. Frank was honorably discharged from the Army in Texas, returning to Virginia in the early 60s, where he owned and operated Franks ESSO Station in Richmond. In 1964 Frank began his career with Otis Elevator, now part of the United Technologies conglomerate. Beginning as mechanics helper, he quickly received his elevator mechanics license, went through the extensive sales training program in 1966 and continued to work for Otis the next 30 years, holding several district, regional and national positions for the company. Frank attended the First United Methodist Church of Salem, was the secretary of the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and participated in several local and national societies and organizations.

Phyllis Sutphin Simms was born March 3, 1939 in Roanoke, Virginia to the late Earl Millard Young and Anna Lee Harshbarger Young. She is survived by her mother, Anna Lee Shawver (Salem, VA); her children, Lori Cain (Raleigh, NC), Jon David Sutphin and wife, Ashley (Frankfort, KY); Patti Shepherd and husband, Dwayne (Montvale, VA), Susan Lee Bradsher and husband, Kenneth (Butner, NC), along with 11 dearly loved grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Millard Lee Young (Richmond, VA) and half-brother, Freddie W. Vest (Bent Mountain, VA) as well as 4 step sons, David Simms, Frank C. Simms, II, Kevin Simms and Christopher Simms. Phyllis was an active member and past-president of the Salem Kiwanis Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce. Phyllis was a long-time member of the Salem Church of Christ.

A joint memorial service honoring the lives of Frank and Phyllis was held on Saturday, February 17, 2007, at2:00 p.m.at the Salem Church of Christ, 401 West Main Street.