Gary Wayne Simmers, 80, of Rockingham Virginia, passed away at his home on June 18th, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born to Clyde Nelson Simmers and Bernice Liskey Simmers on September 18, 1943 and was raised on the family farm near Linville, Virginia.

Gary graduated from Broadway High School and attended Bridgewater College and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. He served 6 years in the Army, including 2 tours of duty in Vietnam as a Captain. After his service in the Army, Gary returned to his home to farm, and was awarded Farmer of the year in the State of Virginia in 1975. Starting with raising chickens and a feedlot for cattle, he would venture into dairy farming and eventually into the wine business. Being an entrepreneur, he would use his wine making experience to build his own mobile wine bottling unit. He used this modified eighteen-wheeler to service winemakers all along the East Coast Region.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Kelly Morgan Simmers and brother Michael Clark Simmers.

Gary is survived by his wife of 50 years, Teresa Hawse Simmers who worked hand-in-hand with him to establish the farming and wine businesses. He is also survived by siblings Clyde Nelson Simmers, Jr and wife Jacquelin, Joy Simmers Callahan and husband Tim, Douglas Alan Simmers and wife Brooke, and Fay Simmers McCain and husband Greg, and extended families.

Gary had many hobbies and areas of interest including woodworking, flying, sailing, building model trains, monitoring his weather station, growing plants in his greenhouse and genealogy.

There will be a graveside service held on Saturday June 29, 2024 at 11a.m. at the Pine Grove Church of the Brethren cemetery, 7876 Simmers Valley Rd, Rockingham VA.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to either St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or to the Rockingham Harrisonburg SPCA, P.O. Box 103, Harrisonburg VA 22803.