Lawrence "Larry" William Simmons

Lawrence "Larry" William Simmons, 81, of Belmont passed away March 22, 2020 at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.  He was born in Mt. Airy on January 30, 1939 to the late Sam and Nannie Collins Simmons.  He is also preceded in death by his foster parents, Author and Pearl Kirkman; son, Phillip Lynn Simmons; grandson, Guy Farmer; and foster brothers, Paul and Gurney Kickman.  Larry attended Catawba Freewill Baptist Church and was a lifetime member of Loyal Order of Moose Belmont Lodge 1749.  He was the owner and mechanic of Simmons Motors and Parts and loved to work on cars.  He also enjoyed playing pool and through the years acquired many trophies.  Larry most of all loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Joan Brown Simmons "Momma Cat", children, Larry Simmons and fiance Angela McMillian, Judy Thomas and Gary B., Melisse Farmer and husband Brian, Gary Simmons, and Stephanie Simmons Skidmore; sister, Nina Murphy and husband John; brother, Benston Kirkman; son in law, Steven Thomas; 9 grandchildren, Eric Thomas and wife Paula, Brittani Thomas, Joshua Thomas, Matthew Farmer, Christian Farmer, Nathan Simmons, Brianne Simmons, Courtney Lanier, Alise Childers and husband Joseph; 5 great grandchildren, Mason, McKenzie, Mila, Paige, and Sawyer.

Services and burial are being held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shriners Hospital.