Simmons, Keith

Passed: 1978-05-18

Age:

Source: Jackson Herald

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1978-05-20

Information: HERALD PUBLISHER DIES ON VACATION - Death claimed JACKSON HERALD publisher-editor, Keith Simmons, Thursday morning at Creston, South Carolina, two hours after he became ill while strolling along the beach at North Myrtle Beach.  He collapsed without warning shortly after 9 a.m., while on the beach with his wife.  The two had been in Myrtle Beach a week and only 15 minutes earlier had extended their motel reservations for another week. Simmons received emergency treatment on the beach and while being transported by fire department ambulance to the hospital located about 15 minutes away.  Heart specialists conducting a seminar at the hospital were attending physicians.  Simmons died shortly after 11 a.m.  Mr. and Mrs. Simmons had been vacationing guests at the Cabana Terrace in North Myrtle Beach.  His sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Dick Burdette of Vienna, were also guests at the same resort motel.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at Parsons Funeral Home with the Rev. William Eaton and the Rev. Ronald Brooks officiating.  Burial was at Fairplain Cemetery.  A native of Ripley, Simmons was a graduate of Ripley High School with the class of 1942, where he was active in sports, playing, football, basketball and baseball.  He enlisted as a member of the U. S. Navy Air Corps Flying Redbird Squadron in Parkersburg during World War II.  He attended the University of Virginia and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institure in Troy, New York. Following World War II, he joined his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sattis Simmons, in operation of THE JACKSON HERALD, with his newspaper career beginning as sports editor and photographer.  Under his leadership, the paper several years ago was converted to the offset production and is the largest circulated family weekly newspaper in the state of West Virginia.  Also, for all those years, it has been the largest circulated newspaper in Jackson County.  As a community leader, a number of projects were spearheaded by Simmons, including construction of the Ripley High School stadium.  Through his support and leadership, the Ripley High School gymnasium bleachers, auditorium seats, and state curtains were all provided by donations and support from area citizens without bond monies.  On a volunteer basis, he provided leadership as a member of the Ripley Lions Club in opening the municipal pool following World War II.  His interest in youth programs also included working with youngsters in Little League programs.  Mr. Simmons was married to the former Dorris (Dot) Miller of Ripley and they are the parents of two children, Flora Lee McClanahan of Sissonville, a teacher in Kanawha County schools, and Richard Keith Simmons of Ripley, who became associated with his father in operation of THE JACKSON HERALD following his graduation from Glenville State College in December.  Simmons was on the board of directors of the Jackson County Development Authority and belonged to Ripley American Legion Post 107.  Survivors, in addition to his wife, children and sister, include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Sattis Simmons, and another sister, Helen Hinzman of Ripley.