Henry "Runt" Leander Simmons

Henry “Runt” Leander Simmons, 75 of Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Tuesday June 30, 2026. He was born on December 31, 1950, in Mecklenburg County, Virginia then after attending college he moved to Murfreesboro, North Carolina. Then in 2014 they moved to Roanoke Rapids to be near the grandkids. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Beulah Simmons, sister Cora Lee Jones Sehen and his fur baby “Bentley.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years Celeste Simmons, his beloved “Daddy’s Girl” Sonya Simmons Bullock and husband Robby who became the son that he never had, Grandchildren Maddox Bullock “Buckwheat”, Sloan Bullock “Baby Girl”, brother James Clifford Simmons (Jo), sister Anne Kyle and fur babies “Charlie” and “Max”.

Henry was a loving husband, father, and his most important title “Poppie.” He graduated from Bluestone Senior High School then continued his education at Haywood Technical Institute, he served his country in the United States Army, began his career in wood products at Georgia Pacific in Murfreesboro, North Carolina, then worked as Vice President of Sales for Reimler Parts & Associates where he worked with the owners Jim Reimler and John Reimler until his passing. Henry also was a 32nd degree Master Mason, North Carolina Shriner, and served as an EMT with the Murfreesboro Volunteer Rescue Squad. In his work travels he would always make friends everywhere he went, always carrying a smile with many of those friends who became adopted family members.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday July 11, 2026, at 2:00pm at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Andy Sloan presiding. The family will receive friends and family prior to the service from 1:00pm to 2:00pm.

The family would like the thank the staff of VCU- MRICU for their exceptional care during his recent hospitalization and thank you to Liberty Hospice Nurse Shannon Crawford, RN his newest found “girlfriend” for the passionate care and support during this process.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that you donate to Calvary Baptist Church (1405 Bolling Road Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870) in memory of Henry.

Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Services is managing arrangements for the Simmons family. Family and friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com.