By Matt de Simone
Willie Simmons, former mayor of Fincastle, tragically passed away on April 1 in an automobile/motorcycle accident. His sudden departure has left the community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant and a cherished friend.
Born and raised in Fincastle, Simmons, 69, was deeply rooted in the town’s history. His passion for public service led him to serve on the Fincastle Town Council before being elected mayor. Simmons also spent some time volunteering with the Fincastle Volunteer Fire Department. During his tenure, Simmons was instrumental in preserving the town’s historical landmarks and promoting community initiatives that enhanced the quality of life for residents.
Simmons’s love for his family was undeniable. His beloved dog, Jasper, was a constant companion, often seen riding alongside Willie in his sidecar until Jasper’s passing. He took immense pride in his son, Hunter, and daughter-in-law, Meredith, admiring their intelligence, confidence, and accomplishments. Even within the family, his humor was a constant—he lovingly referred to Patsy as his “older sister” and their late sister, Monty Leitch, as his “much older sister.” As the youngest in their family, he held a special place in their hearts.
Daughter-in-law Meredith recently shared, “When you marry someone, you always worry about if the family you’re marrying into will like you. I got lucky – because the Simmons family welcomed me pretty much immediately. Both Hunter and I have one of our favorite memories centered around Willie meeting me for the first time – he felt comfortable enough to make a good-humored joke at my expense, and getting me to laugh became one of his missions every time we’d visit or FaceTime. When he managed it, I’m pretty sure it made his day – when he knew I was coming to visit or he was coming to visit us, he’d make lists of jokes to see what he could get a reaction with.”
Beyond his official duties around town, Simmons was known for his commitment to civic engagement. He actively participated in local events, supported small businesses, and was a familiar face at community gatherings. His approachable demeanor and concern for the well being of Fincastle’s citizens endeared him to many.
Simmons was a man of many other interests, a fixture of the Fincastle community whose presence will be deeply missed. Whether it was through his leadership, craftsmanship, or humor, he left an indelible mark on those around him. His sister, Patsy Dickerson, recalled when recently asked about her late brother that he “loved a good joke, and his mind was like a trap for a good joke that he could recall and retell at the drop of a hat.” His ability to bring laughter into any room was just one of the many ways he connected with people.
The former mayor was brought up in his father’s Fincastle woodshop repairing and finishing furniture. He would later go on to teach Woodshop and Agriculture classes in public schools. He would soon discover a love for woodturning—shaping wood with a lathe.
“(A lathe), which is a machine that revolves the wood, and you take a tool, and cut the wood away, as opposed to wood working, which is mostly flat,” Simmons explained in a 2019 article in The Fincastle Herald. “It’s addicting because if you’re a flat wood worker, and then you start using a lathe, all your flat wood just becomes shelves… In order to be an artist, you have to master the craft. I’m not really sure what art is. I see things, and I like them.” Simmons soon opened his own shop.
Beyond woodturning, Willie found solace on the open road. His motorcycle was his “asphalt therapy,” and he treasured rides along the parkway and winding back roads. From his first motorcycle in the early 1970s to his final ride, he remained a dedicated and careful motorcyclist. Patsy shared, “I think this past week was his first crash on one of his motorcycles, so he had a safety record of over 50 years. Of course, this accident was not his fault, and he was still being safe.” His love of adventure and travel was well documented, first through slides and later with digital images that chronicled his journeys across the United States.
The Virginia State Police released a statement last Wednesday confirming the details of the accident, noting that Simmons was the sole rider of a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. A 2008 Chrysler was traveling south on Route 60 at the intersection of Route 1104 in Alleghany and changed lanes striking Simmons’s 2018 Honda Goldwing and a 2014 Freightliner tractor-trailer which were stopped a red light. Simmons was rushed to LewisGale Hospital-Alleghany where he later died.
Current Fincastle Mayor Mary Bess Smith expressed her condolences, stating, “We are shocked and saddened to hear of Willie’s accident. He and his wife were integral to so many of the traditions that make Fincastle a special place. We will miss him and will be praying for his family. He created lots of efficiencies that we still use today to make the process run smoothly.”
Willie was also deeply invested in his community. As the former mayor of Fincastle, he and his late wife, Brenda, spearheaded the “Keep Fincastle Lit” campaign to ensure that the town’s Christmas lights remained a cherished tradition. Even after his tenure in public service, his commitment to local traditions lived on. He took up the responsibility of ringing the courthouse bell on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, a duty he inherited from his father, Bill Simmons. “I’m sure this tradition will continue without Willie, but he will be missed,” Dickerson said.
“Willie was a good neighbor,” Fincastle Town Council member Paige Ware recalled. She shared memories of her late husband, Richard, and Willie sitting on the back of Willie’s truck discussing “all the issues of the town and the world.”
Known for his candid nature, Willie loved talking with people and sharing Fincastle’s history and lore. Yet, as Patsy humorously noted, “He wasn’t afraid to let you know when he had visited with you long enough.” She added that Willie was honest, direct, and unapologetically himself. “Mary Beth Huey described him as a ‘crusty old softie,’” Patsy added.
Willie Simmons’ legacy is one of laughter, craftsmanship, adventure, and community spirit. His contributions to Fincastle, both large and small, have left an enduring impact. Though he may be gone, his memory will continue to live on in the stories, traditions, and hearts of those who knew him.
