Gilbert R. “Skip” Simmons Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend, age 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15 at 1:00 p.m. at Maddox Funeral with Sammy Campbell officiating. Interment will follow in Panorama Memorial Gardens at Waterlick.
Skip was born January 31, 1949 in Washington D.C., son of the late Gilbert Ray Simmons Sr. and Vera Geraldine Dehart Simmons.
He retired from Fairfax County with 30 years of service. He was a member of the #15 Chantilly Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
Skip was a true outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting. His greatest love was his family and spending time with them as well as his friends. He was known as “Bop” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would always have a huge smile whenever they were around. He loved his family deeply and enjoyed the time he spent with them.
Surviving is his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Virginia “Ginny” Simmons; two sons, Michael Allen Simmons Sr. and wife Michelle of Front Royal and Christopher Brian Simmons and wife Melissa of Front Royal; brother, Larry David Simmons and life partner, Pam Ceneskie of Bumpass; four beloved grandchildren, Michael Allen Simmons Jr. (Rebecca), John Smoot (Nicole), Cody Simmons (Sierra) and Brittany Rutherford (John); and seven great-grandchildren whom he adored, Maddie, Colt, Emory, Parker, Kenlee, Addie and Stetson.
Skip was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Eric Douglas Simmons; and a grandson, Mason Simmons.
Pallbearers will be Christopher Simmons, Michael A. Simmons Sr., Cody Simmons, Michael A. Simmons Jr., Wade Smith, John Smoot and John Rutherford.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 15 from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Jesus wrapped you in his arms as you entered heaven. A long line of family that has passed before you waits patiently to welcome you home. One day you will be there to welcome me and I will be so happy to see you again. We were family here and we will be family again. Love and miss you bunches….Bobo
How much I loved this man! Was with Skip all those 30 years at Fairfax, played softball on the Arcola softball team (“the bunch of farmers, rednecks and hillbillies” ) that beat the best in the league because we had heart. He was fearless on that flag football team that played against Fairfax’s best who had to bring i wringers to beat us. So many hunting tales from Leesburg and Bergton. Fact that he saved my life in a pool in Leesburg. Or Big Mike wearing diapers as “Little Mike” who was about t o bash me in head becaus ehe thought I ws hurting Betty while we were kidding around, Or when his gun went off into ground right behind me going up piney. Skip you have always been in my mind and please tell Vera, Gib, Roy and Van and Charlie I’ll see you all soon as chemo will likely keep me away from being able to see you off and enjoy sharing our stories. PD
So many things to say about Skip! I’ve called him that so long (36yrs) until I forgot his name was Gilbert. A joy to be around a heart like no other. He and his wife Ginny are gold that out you don’t find just anywhere. They are the kind that pure, sweet the kind you want to keep and share but not trade. When I heard of your passing my heart was a sadden. Ginny was my next thought and although, we haven’t seen one another in years we still remain friends and most of all Family. We all know you are resting in the fathers’ arms until we see you again. Fairwell but not goodbye.
Prophetess Ania (Patti)