Woodrow Godolphin “Jay” Simmons, Jr., age 80 of Moorefield, WV, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at his residence. Born on August 28, 1944, in Cumberland, MD, he was a son of the late Woodrow Godolphin Simmons, Sr. and Dorothy Viola Settle Simmons James.
Jay was a 1962 graduate of Ridgeley High School and started working for A & P (Super Fresh) Cumberland right out of high school, retiring from the A & P in Hancock, MD. An extreme history buff, he was a member and former officer of the Hardy County Historical Society. In 2007, he was presented with a History Hero Award for the preservation of local history through dedicated contributions. Jay also wrote articles for the Moorefield Examiner. He spoke about local history to various organizations. He was a former board member and curator of the Lost River Museum.
Jay was a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, McNeill’s Rangers, Camp 582, and he served in various offices within that organization, helping to organize the local camp in its beginning.
A member of the Appalachian Blacksmiths Association and Artist’s Blacksmith Association of North America (ABANA), Jay demonstrated the art of blacksmithing at schools, fairs, and during the Hardy County Heritage Weekend. As a juried blacksmith, he had his wares for purchase in local gift shops and the famous Tamarack Marketplace, West Virginia’s premier artisan market located on the WV Turnpike.
Surviving are two sons, Darrin Simmons of Martinsburg, WV and Jeff (Wanda) Simmons of Hedgesville, WV; sisters, Barbara J. (Robert) Marker of Cumberland, MD, and Frances Deaton of Conway, AR; four grandchildren, Shayna, Jeffrey, Jr., Amber, and Hayden; four great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
To offer condolences, share memories, or upload photos in honor of Jay’s extraordinary life, visit his Tribute Wall at www.fraleyfuneralhome.com and celebrate the impact he made on all those around him.
