Joseph "Jay" Ray Simmons

Mr. Joseph ""Jay"" Ray Simmons, Jr., 56, of Winston-Salem, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2017, at Forsyth Medical Center. Jay was born in Forsyth County on March 31, 1960, to Joseph Ray Simmons, Sr. and Patricia ""Pat"" Smith Tilley. He graduated from Mars Hill College Summa Cum Laude with a B.A. Degree in Religion. Jay was a member at The Church of the Incarnation in Black Mountain, NC, where he also served as a lay minister. He worked at Trim USA in King, NC, for many years before his health declined. Jay did everything with passion. He loved deeply, was devoted to, and was immensely proud of his family, especially his son. He was a faithful friend. He was a dedicated Christian, even as his physical abilities declined. He had nearly total recall of the Bible, yet he was a quiet witness to his faith in Christ. He could find just the right scripture for any occasion. Jay loved music, movies, cars, and people of every race, color, and creed. Before his illness, he could recite every band member, album, and song of most musical groups spanning many genres; every actor, title, and year of most movies; and the make and model of every vehicle on the road. He was a collector of fine watches and guitars, and he could tear up a guitar in his day. He loved to travel and meet and talk with people. He was a natural conversationalist and enjoyed talking with anyone about anything. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by his family, especially his son, and friends. We take great comfort in knowing that he is at peace and free of suffering. Jay was preceded in death by his father. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Ian Simmons of Clemmons, NC; and two sisters, Julia Simmons (Michelle) of Sylva, NC and Janet Simmons of Decatur, GA. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The family wishes to extend their thanks and appreciation to Novant Health physicians and caregivers. Special thanks and appreciation to the ComForcare and Bayada home health teams who served him with great compassion. And finally we extend deep appreciation to the staff and residents of Forsyth Court, who became his second family, for their loving embrace of the special person that Jay was. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel is assisting the family of Mr. Simmons. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.

Events

Memorial Contribution