Richard Keith "Rick" Simmons

Richard Keith "Rick" Simmons of Ravenswood passed away November 8, 2013 at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston following a long illness. Rick was born May 24, 1956 at Ripley a son of Dorris "Dot" Miller Simmons Nichols of Jupiter, FL and the Late Keith Simmons. He was a third generation publisher of the Jackson Herald. He graduated from Ripley High School with the class of 1974 and completed his college degree at Glenville State College in December of 1977. Rick became publisher of the Jackson Herald in 1978 following the sudden death of his father. He remained in that position until the newspaper was sold to Smith Incorporated in Alabama on January 3, 1995. In July of that same year he was named Athletic Director of Gilmer County High School and also assumed the role of Sports Director of the Glenville Democrat-Glenville Pathfinder in March of 1996. While performing those duties he also managed the Glenville Golf Club and in later that year he was voted the regional Athletic Director of the Year by his peers. On July 1, 1997 he was named the Head Golf Coach at Glenville State College and six of his seven Pioneer Golf Teams qualified for the NCAA Division II and finished 17th in the nation in 2000. He was a 17 year member of the Ripley Volunteer Fire Department and a former member of the Jackson County EMS and served as the General Chairman of the Ripley 4th of July Committee. Rick's active life was slowed when in 2002 due to illness he was struck blind. He will always be remembered for his talent and hard work he gave to help others! In addition to his mother he is survived by a sister "Chirpy" McFarland and her husband Mike of Jupiter, FL. Also survived by his longtime special caregiver Robin Frazier. Rick's wishes for cremation will be honored and there will be no public service. Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com