John William Simmerman, Jr

John William Simmerman, Jr, 69, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at his home. Mr. Simmerman was born October 16, 1947, in Wythe County, VA and was the son of the late John W. Simmerman, Sr and Myrtle Duncan Simmerman.  He was a graduate of George Wythe High School and attended Wytheville Community College.  Mr. Simmerman was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served two tours in Vietnam.  Prior to his retirement, John was employed with the Dept. of Defense.  On May 25, 2004, he married Debra Fox Tucker Simmerman who survives.  John love to fly model airplanes and flying in general.  He was an avid pool player and enjoyed playing as often as he could.  Nothing compared to the love for his family, children, and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Robert L. Simmerman and four sisters, Betty Jean Simmerman, Frances S. Jones, Mary Ellen Simmerman, and Shirley Ann Davis. In addition to his wife, Debra Simmerman, he is survived by one daughter, Lisa S. Wiedl, one son, Robert C. Simmerman (Brittanie), two grandsons, Ben Wield and Lucas Simmerman and one granddaughter, Crystal Wiedl, all of Wytheville, VA.  He is also survived by two step-daughters, Lauren T. Latham (Gary) and Leslie A. Tucker, both of Statesville and two step-grandchildren, Samuel Jones and Jacob Latham.  One sister, Louise Crockett (John) of Cripple Creek, VA and one brother, Rufus Elmo “Bucky” Davis of Wytheville, VA also survive. Funeral services for John Simmerman, Jr will be conducted at 3:00 PM Saturday, April 15, 2017, in the Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dr. J.B. Parker, Jr. officiating.  Burial with full military honors provided by the Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery.  The family will visit with friends Saturday from 1:30 until 3:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Statesville Dialysis Center, Inc. 627 Signal Hill Drive Extension, Statesville, NC 28625 or to the American Diabetes Association, 1300 Baxter St. Suite 150, Charlotte, NC 28204, or to the American Heart Association, 128 S. Tryon St. Suite 1588, Charlotte, NC 28202. The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Don Tucker for the care, love and support to John and family over the years. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of John Simmerman, Jr.