Wiley Burl Simcox

Wiley Burl SimcoxWiley Burl Simcox, age 94, of 4361 Forge Creek Road, Mountain City, passed away Friday, February 15, 2008 in Watauga Medical Center.He was born on May 20, 1913 in Shouns, Tennessee, the son of the late Stacy and Villa Rash Simcox. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel Payne Simcox and sisters, Hettie Nichols, Nannie Dowell, and Gladys Proffitt. He had many occupations in his lifetime. He worked in the coal mines of West Virginia and at a shipyard in Maryland during the onset of WWII. Back in Johnson County he owned and operated his own sawmill. For several years he worked for the Johnson County Highway Department in bridge construction. The first cement bridges in the county were built under his supervision. He was also a farmer and cattleman, but raising cattle was his favorite area of farming. He was an avid horseman and always kept horses on the farm. He was instrumental in organizing the horse show for the Bean Festival during the 1950’s. He was a faithful member of Hammons Chapel Christian Church where he led singing for many years.Survivors include his daughter, Virginia Greer and husband Jack of Mountain City; his son, Walter Simcox and wife Linda of Mountain City; five grandchildren, Bill Greer, Donald Greer, Jim Greer, Mary Jo Simcox and Pamela Peters; eight great grandchildren, Logan Greer, Jeremy Greer, Jake Greer, Stacy Greer, Shane Greer, Sarah Greer, Zane Greer and Cole Peters; and several nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008 at Mountain City Funeral Home with the service to follow at 2:30 p.m. with Mike Smith, Minister officiating. Burial will follow in Dunn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Curd, Tom Taylor, Jerry Carpenter, Willie Hammons, Barton Hall and Jake Lewis.The family appreciates our special caregiver, Amber Hess and hospice nurse, Rita Wall.Those who wish may send memorial contributions to Dunn Cemetery, c/o Walter Simcox, 4283 Forge Creek Road, Mountain City, TN 37683.