On Thursday, January 14, 2010, our beloved Michael “Mike” Simmons of Old Eccles Road, Beckley died at his home following a sudden illness. He was 48 years of age. Born Michael Bruce Simmons on November 28, 1961, at Beckley, “Mike” as he was affectionately know all his life, was the second of four children born to Norma Jean Cassity Simmons and the late Dennis Irvin Simmons. Mike grew up on Spruce Street in Mabscott. He was a 1980 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. In addition to his father he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Irvin and Sada Simmons of MacArthur; maternal grandparents, and James and Daisy Cassity and an aunt Carolyn Maxey, all of Mabscott. At the end of the day when we remember our Mike, his family recalls an individual who loved spending time with his family. He had a large circle of friends that he cared deeply for. He loved being outdoors, fishing, and racing and had a great love for animals. He loved to laugh. In addition to his precious mother, Norma, Mike leaves to cherish his memory his brothers and sister who will miss him deeply, Rusty Simmons and his wife Arlene of Indian Mills, Brian Simmons and his companion Janet of Mabscott and Jeanie Cole and her fiancé Jackie Goins of Beckley; his nieces whom he adored, Madison Cole and Haley Simmons; his cousin and best friend, Billy Lester of Mabscott; a large extended family and many friends. Services will be 6 p.m. Friday, January 29 at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Phil Farrington officiating. The family will receive friend from 5 p.m. until the hour of the services. Flowers are a wonderful gesture but during these difficult times any monetary gifts made to the Melton Mortuary to help defray the funeral expenses is greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.meltonmortuary.com Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Inc, Beckley.