SPRUCE HEAD — Howard S. Simmons, Jr., 88, died peacefully, Sunday, January 14, 2024, just 3 weeks after his beloved wife, Virginia Simmons.

Born in Port Clyde, September 1, 1935, he was the only child of Howard, Sr. and Eleanor Davis Simmons. Educated locally, he was a 1953 graduate of St. George High School.

While in Junior High, Howard met his soulmate, Virginia ‘Ginny’ Simmons who was just one year behind him in school. They courted all through high school, and Howard waited until Ginny graduated and the two were married on October 3, 1954. Together they have made their home for over 69 years in the same spot in Spruce Head.

As a young man Howard began lobstering with his family in Port Clyde. After marrying and moving to Spruce Head he continued lobstering and was instrumental in the establishment of Wheelers Bay.

Howard was a proud and meticulous homeowner. He took great care with everything and anything he owned. His son remembers being paid a nickel for every nail he found in the driveway and surrounding property after
the family’s roof was replaced. Howard loved to ride motorcycles and attend the yearly antique motorcycle show at the Owls Head Transportation Museum (which was always held during his birthday). One year, when unable to attend in person, Howard sent his own antique motorcycle to be sold by his son, everyone knew it was showroom ready, with every nut and joint greased and polished; and sure enough it sold immediately. When not taking motorcycle trips with Ginny and his children, he loved going four-wheeling with his grandson Sam.

He was very frugal and could often be seen stopping traffic or backtracking his steps to pick up a penny he spied lying on the ground. His daughter said he was always very much aware of his surroundings.

He and Ginny loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together both locally and abroad. Although he hated heights, he loved Ginny, and when she wanted to take helicopter ride over the volcanoes of Hawaii, he climbed right in beside her.

Howards steadfast love and presence will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by his beloved wife, Virginia in December of 2023, and a son, Dale Simmons in 2014; Howard is survived by his daughter Laurie Pierce and her husband Donald of Owls Head, his son Brian Simmons and his partner Kelly Sturks of Spruce Head; four grandchildren, Jeremy Pierce and his wife Julie of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Amanda Pierce of Warren, Lt. Daniel Pierce of Columbus, Georgia, Samuel Simmons and his wife Erika of Spruce Head; and one great-grandson, Sammy J.

Visiting hours will be held for Howard and Virginia on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

A celebration of their lives will be held Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 1 p.m., at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, One Waldo Avenue, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter, 383 US Route One, Suite 2C, Scarborough, ME 04074; or St. George Firefighters and Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 249, Tenants Harbor, ME 04860.

To share a memory or condolence with the Simmons’ family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.