September 21, 2013
Date of Service: September 25, 2013
Interment Location: Crown Section
Kenneth Eugene “Gene” Simmons, of Kingsport, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 21, 2013. A native of Elizabethton, he graduated from Elizabethton High School and later from ETSU with his Master’s in Chemistry. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He retired from Eastman Chemical Company after 40 years of service. Ken was active in the community, wherever he was. He volunteered with Meals on Wheels and in the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. A student of God’s word, Ken also taught others its precepts through Sunday School at First Christian in Bristol and later at Tri Cities Baptist. He was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Schaad Simmons. He is survived by his wife, Lora Simmons; daughter, Abby Simmons Weaver and husband Jordan; two sons, Chris Simmons and wife Amy and Keith Lewis; three grandchildren, Mitchell Lewis, Anna Simmons and Isaac Simmons; two sisters, Barbara Simmons Baker and husband Bill and Denna Lee Coates and husband Johnny; along with several nieces and nephews. There will be a celebration of his life at 6 p.m. Thursday, September 26, at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, Kingsport, with Chaplain Kent Pugh officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Meals on Wheels, 301 Louis Street, Kingsport, TN 37660 or to the Good News Jail and Prison Ministry, 1119 Commonwealth Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the Simmons family.
