Kelton H. Simmons, age 83, of the Sugar Hill Community, went to be with his Lord and family on Wednesday, January 26, 2000, at the home of his niece, Lucille Hemphill.

Kelton retired from Broyhill Furniture Company, but led an active life for his church, Bethel Baptist, prior to becoming a pianist at Cross United Methodist Church for the last ten years.

He was active at the McDowell Senior Center and was also an honorary member and Chaplain for Sugar Hill Fire Department for numerous years.


He is survived by nephews and nieces, Lucille Hemphill and J. R. Hemphill of Marion, Margaret Anthony of Kenner, LA, Yates Hemphill of Pleasant Gardens, Jimmy Simmons of Glenwood, Chevious Randell of Alexis, NC, and Louise Blanton of Forest City; a sister-in-law, Maude Simmons of Valdese.

Kelton will be missed not only by his family, but by his special friends at Tom Harris' Barber Shop; his coffee group at McDonald's, and the firemen at Sugar Hill Fire Department. The fireman will be honorary pallbearers along with his special friend, Tom Harris.

Visitation was held at 10 a.m. on Friday the 28th, at Kirksey Funeral Home, Marion, with the funeral following at 11 a.m. The Rev. Douglas Benton of Cross United Methodist Church officiated and burial followed in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family was at the home of Lucille Hemphill, Marion, N.C.

Brothers and Sisters:

Ollie Pearl Simmons Randall
June 21, 1901 - May 5, 1983

Mattie Dent Simmons Hemphill
July 20, 1902 - October 17, 1992

Clinton Douglas Simmons
July 6, 1903 - December 6, 1970

Elisha Ray Simmons
October 18, 1904 - November 20, 1977

Robert Glenn Simmons
July 21, 1906 - November 28, 1991

Hannah Jones Simmons Holland
April 6, 1908 - December 13, 1985

Paul Edward Simmons
January 11, 1910 - May 18, 1975

John Carl Simmons
June 16, 1912 - March 22, 1993

Thurman Felder Simmons
July 13, 1914 - October 19, 1988