Leonard Dale Simmons

God said, “suffer no more my son, come home,” and so in the early morning hours of Monday, April 7, 2025, Leonard “Buck” Dale Simmons, age 66, of McDowell, passed away at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

Born August 25, 1958 in Staunton, he was a son of the late Edward “Jake” Roscoe Simmons and Erma “Jean” (Hatcher) Simmons of McDowell.

To give a little insight into Leonard’s life, he was foremost a Christian, who was raised and held membership in the former Doe Hill United Methodist Church. As a young man he took a job at Taylor-Ramsey Saw Mill and from there would go on to work at the Bath County Pumped Storage Project. Ultimately, he began what would be a thirty-eight-year career with the Virginia Department of Transportation. During his time with VDOT, Leonard, a skilled operator enjoyed working with machinery of all types, but none more than the motor grader. He worked out of several headquarters including Verona, Swoope, Moscow, Monterey, and McDowell. Leonard retired from VDOT eight years ago, but maintained the many friendships he gained during his time there.

A very meticulous man, who always had something up his sleeve, Leonard accomplished many goals over the past thirty years. Amongst his chief goals in life was the dream of acquiring and operating his family’s farm, and, just like the majority of his goals, this too became a reality for Leonard. Alongside his wife, Linda, they worked together to care for the farm and honor his grandparents’ legacy. There, on the farm, while on a tractor, or mower, or perhaps simply patching fence, Leonard was at peace – he was home, “where his meticulous ways came to play.”

Those that knew Leonard will remember him as an ardent homebody and never one to embrace the civic spotlight. However, behind the scenes, he was in fact a key member of his community. For many years he worked to raise money for the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department during their annual firearm fundraiser, often amongst the top promoters, and also assisted the Stonewall Ruritan Club during their onion fundraiser.

But, the music has stopped for now. The garage, where many of his friends came together to play music and solve some of the world’s problems, is quiet. And unlike in the past there’s no longer a pot of brown beans cooking on the woodstove. However, the memories of a man who loved his family, who was selfless in his actions toward others, who showed kindness to his neighbors and empathy to animals, will surely endure and certainly not be forgotten.

Along with his father, Leonard was predeceased by his brothers, Johnny Ray and Edward “Wayne” Simmons.

In addition to his mother, surviving family members include his wife of 28 years, Linda Lee (Cavell) Simmons of McDowell; daughter, Shelly Simmons and significant other, Ben Stacy of Fairfield; sister, Connie Fay Simmons and husband, David of McDowell; grandchildren, Jayden and Brynleigh Stacy; best friend who he considered and loved like a brother, David Armstrong of Churchville; Linda’s mother, Jackie Cavell of Richmond; numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Lindsay, who he named “Peanut;” numerous friends too many to mention; special nurses, Hannah and Katlin; as well as his faithful canine companion, Wren.

Being the simple man that Leonard was, his wish was to be cremated and a celebration of life will be held in early summer with his family and friends.

In memory of Leonard, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433.