David (Dave) Bryan Simmons was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on January 22, 1950, to the late William Murray Simmons and the late Pauline Buchanan Simmons. Dave is survived by his daughter Rebecca (Becca) Anne Carpenter, daughter Katherine (Katie) Louise Warren, son-in-law Michael Carpenter, granddaughter Allyson (Ally) Warren, grandson Mason Carpenter, sister Sandra (Sam) O'Brien, nephew Joe O'Brien, niece Erin O'Brien, four grand nieces, and several cousins.

Dave was accepted to Carlisle Military School in South Carolina, where he excelled in leadership and math classes, played the drums, and captained the golf team, winning many individual and team trophies. Dave attended Xavier University in Cincinnati for a short time before joining the United States Air Force, where he served honorably.

After his military service, he went into the construction industry. He rose from building houses to managing mega projects, such as hotels, university housing complexes, municipal complexes, etc. He was a skilled negotiator who secured contracts for properties, utilities and tax abatements for banks, credit unions and hotel complexes.

Dave had many hobbies and interests including showing his prized Irish setters, water sports, horseback riding, going to the movies and sharing meals with family. He was known for his friendliness, sense of humor, great generosity and compassion for others. He was often described as someone who "never met a stranger."

All who knew him recognized that Dave's daughters and grandchildren possessed the entirety of his heart.  Dave loved them fiercely, sacrificially, and unconditionally, and he worked hard throughout his life to ensure their happiness, safety, and well-being. He will be deeply mourned, sorely missed, and fondly remembered by his family and friends as he lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.

A memorial will be held for Dave at The Lake Tomahawk Picnic Pavilion on Sunday, 8/25 at 11am. 401 Laurel Circle Drive #3061, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Please contact Katie or Becca for more information.