Irvin Wayne Simmons

Irvin “Wayne” Simmons, 64, of Blacksburg, SC, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 12, 2020 due to complications from COVID-19. The husband of Tracey Harken Simmons, Wayne was born September 16, 1956, in Rutherfordton, NC to the late James Earl Simmons and the late Mary Lissie (Randolph) Simmons. A graduate of Crest High School, Wayne attended Isothermal Community College and Gardner-Webb College. He was employed for 40 years with UPS Freight, formerly Overnite Transportation. Wayner, Wayno, or Weiner Wayner, as he was affectionately called by many of his friends, enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid sports fan, with his favorite teams being the Crest Chargers, North Carolina Tarheels, Clemson Tigers, Atlanta Braves and NY Jets. He loved music of all genres, attending many, many concerts over the years. He enjoyed traveling, skiing, hiking, gardening, working out and spending time with his family and countless friends. In addition to his wife, Tracey, Wayne is survived by his daughter, Stevie-Nicole Simmons Ramsey and her husband Christian of Greenville, SC, and his step-daughter Meagan Elise Williams of Spartanburg, SC. He is also survived by three brothers, James Earl “J.E.” Simmons, Jr. (Judy) of Anderson, SC, Robert Bert Simmons (Barbara) of Gaffney, SC, and Mickey Ray Simmons (Sheran) of Shelby, NC, and five sisters, Mary Lounette West (Wayne) of Charlotte, NC, Nancy Carolyn Teague of Gaffney, SC, Martha Ann Wisher of Blacksburg, SC, Sylvia Dean Benton (Winfred) of Gaffney, SC and Marilyn Marie Bartee of Shelby, NC. Additionally, Wayne leaves behind his mother-in-law, Ann C. Harken of Boiling Springs, SC, sister-in-law Amy Harken Wilson (David) of Spartanburg, SC, and brother-in-law Coye Walker of Caroleen, NC, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins who adored him. In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by a sister, Katherine Simmons Walker and his father-in-law, Larry L. Harken. In consideration of the health of others during this pandemic, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Blood Connection by going to https://thebloodconnection.org/give. If you have recovered from Covid, please use the link above to give a donation of blood which can be used for convalescent plasma therapy. If you would like to give a monetary donation, please use the link above and be sure to designate Convalescent Plasma Therapy Fund.