Col. Thomas Newton Simmons

Thomas N Simmons, 92 of Henrico, Va was called to his eternal home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. He is preceded in death by his wife of 69 years Betty Lucille (Lewis) Simmons, and in the words of one of their favorite songs, she is “the Yellow Rose of Texas he’s going home to see”. Tom graduated Annona High School in 1951, East Texas State Teachers College with a BS in Business Administration and ROTC in 1955. He was a 27-year veteran of the USAF as a pilot, operational staff officer and Commander. Following his career in the Air Force, he served as Director of an Economic Development Organization in San Bernadino, CA, was the General Manager for the C-17 Program Development and Director of Air Force Programs for McDonnel Douglass (now Boeing Aircraft Co). Before his real retirement, he served as Vice President, Finance & Administration for the Center for Energy & Economic Development in Washington, DC. In retirement, he played as much golf as humanly possible, volunteered for the Methodist Churches in Fairfax, VA, Paris, Tx and Richmond, VA. He and Betty raised three children, Tom Simmons Jr (Fairfax, VA), Dwan (Simmons) Padilla, Pacifica, CA, and Deborah Lou (Simmons) Smith, Richmond VA (deceased April 2020). Tom had 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

A viewing will be held for family and friends on Sunday, Nov 1 from 1:00 until 2:30 pm at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N Parham Rd, Richmond, VA. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a date to be determined.