Franklin Duncan Simmons, 85, formerly of Williamsburg and Newport News, died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at his home in Richmond.
Born in Alabama in 1934, Simmons moved to the Peninsula as a teen, graduating from Newport News High School and the College of William & Mary. A staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, he served as a cryptographic analyst in the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1955, his superiors recognizing his “conscientious devotion to duty,” his loyalty and his leadership.
Those qualities characterized his nearly 40 years at the Virginia Daily Press/Times-Herald, where he was named managing editor at age 38 and would become the newspaper’s first executive editor. Under his leadership, the publication was recognized for community service and innovative approaches to audience expansion — while maintaining its commitment to truth and journalistic excellence. In his retirement, he remained an avid observer of politics, sports his alma mater and the cultural landscape — and opinion pieces he submitted on all these topics were frequently published.
His professional achievements notwithstanding, his highest duty and greatest loyalty was to his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Carolyn (nee Dewey); children, Cary Lynn of Richmond and Christopher (Neelie) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; grandchildren, Carina, Duncan and Rory; sister, Shirley Cannon of Richmond; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Bliley’s Funeral Home, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond.
Share online condolences with the family at Bliley’s Funeral Home.
