Dallas McCoy Simmons, Sr.
October 26, 1947 – December 21, 2025

Dallas McCoy Simmons, Sr., 78, of Columbia, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at his home in the Frying Pan community. His unexpected passing has left a void in the hearts of his family and friends who knew him.

Dallas was born in Tyrrell County on October 26, 1947, to the late Hilton Franklin and Cora Dee Ella Alexander Simmons at the Columbia Hospital. As a lifelong resident of Tyrrell County, he graduated from Columbia High School in 1966 and went on to attend Mount Olive Junior College until he was drafted in 1968.

Dallas honorably served his country in the United States Army as an electronics repairman and rifle range instructor, including one foreign tour of service in Vietnam. This experience instilled in him a lifelong sense of duty to his fellow soldiers and his community. He was a dedicated member of the American Legion, serving as Commander for Post 0182 for several years. In his retirement, he remained active in service, first as Chaplain and, at the time of his death, as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 10659, Glynn T. Cahoon Post.

Professionally, Dallas was a truck driver after his military service, working across many industries, hauling forestry, agricultural, and commercial products. He spent many years as an Owner Operator long-haul truck driver, logging over 4 million miles in his career. He traveled through more than 45 states and provinces, often prefacing a story with, “Yep, I’ve been there.”

When not on the road, Dallas loved to farm, garden, and be outdoors. He loved to go “play in the dirt,” whether planting a new rose bush or discing his garden, caring for his land with immense pride. Above all, he cherished time with his family. A true storyteller who never met a stranger, Dallas loved connecting with people.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Bryan Funeral Service Chapel in Columbia.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Bryan Funeral Service Chapel, officiated by Pastor Royce Reynolds.  Interment will follow at Azalea Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends and family at their home in Frying Pan after the service, in addition to other times.

Dallas is survived by his wife of over 40 years, Carolyn Swain Simmons, two sons, Dallas M. “Mac” Simmons, Jr. and his wife Laurie of Edenton and Alexander L. “Alex” Simmons and his girlfriend Kelsey L. Warren of Knightdale; grandchildren, Seth McCoy Simmons and fiancée Jenna M. Ledford, and Sean F. Simmons of Edenton; and his brother, Charles F. “Chuck” Simmons and his wife Karen of Gum Neck; his “other little brother” G. Wayne Simmons and his wife Pam of Frying Pan. Dallas also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members across North Carolina, Virginia, Minnesota, and Indiana.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother James Hilton Simmons.

Flowers are welcome to be sent to Bryan Funeral Service, or in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sound Side Free Will Baptist Church Youth Program (c/o Kathy Cahoon, PO Box 125, Columbia, NC), or to a charitable organization of your choice.

May Dallas’ memory bring comfort to those that knew him and serve as a reminder of a life filled with dedication, generosity, faith, and love.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Columbia.