Herbert Milton Simmons

Herbert “Herb” Milton Simmons, 97, passed away peacefully at home on October 2, 2026, surrounded by his two daughters. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00PM Friday, October 9, 2026 in the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Benson. The family will receive friends following the service. Officiating will be Rev. Michael Johnson.

Herb was born on December 30, 1928, in Erwin. From a young age, he understood the meaning of hard work and responsibility. At just 13 years old, he left school and began working odd jobs to help support his family. In 1943, at the age of 15, he boarded a train bound for Washington, D.C., where he worked for Safeway Grocery. Over the years, Herb held many jobs. He worked for Kiker & Yount Paving in Reidsville, North Carolina, and also worked on projects associated with Hanging Rock State Park. His name is displayed on a plaque at the park recognizing those who helped build it. From 1946 until 1948, he worked for the Veterans Administration in the records and mail section. Herb joined the United States Air Force on April 7, 1948. He served as a radar operator and retired on July 1, 1968, with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his 20 years, 2 months, and 24 days of service, Herb flew aboard B-29 bombers during the Korean War, served during the Vietnam era, and spent part of his career on assignment with the Central Intelligence Agency.

On April 9, 1951, Herb married Delania “Louise” Stevens at Benson Baptist Church in a ceremony officiated by Thermon Stone. Together they built a life that spanned 75 years of marriage, four children, countless moves and adventures, and more than five decades in the home they made together in Benson. Through every chapter of Herb’s life, Louise was by his side. After 75 years together, they were apart for only 44 days. Louise passed away on August 19, 2026, and Herb joined her on October 2. Herb’s military career took him and his family to many places. They spent seven years at Hunter Air Force Base in Savannah, Georgia; three years at Carswell Air Force Base in Fort Worth, Texas; and six years at Bunker Hill Air Force Base in Indiana. They also lived in Taipei, Taiwan, where Herb served as an advisor to the Chinese Air Force through the Naval Auxiliary Communication Command. His career also took him to many other places without his family. After retiring from the Air Force, Herb said he was ready to “stay put” for a while. He eventually returned to Benson and worked to remodel the house on Louise’s old homeplace, where the two of them would spend the next 56 years together. Still wanting to work for the government, but without the traveling, Herb spotted the American flag outside the Post Office and decided that was the place for him. In May 1969, he began his second career at the Dunn Post Office and remained there until his retirement in May 1994. An article written about Herb during his time with the Postal Service described him as “always a friendly face” and someone always willing to help. After retiring from the Post Office, Herb spent several years volunteering at the Johnston County Heritage Center in Smithfield, where he worked with genealogy and local history, a true passion of his. Those who knew Herb will remember that friendly face, but they will also remember the quick wit and sarcasm that came with it. He had a sharp sense of humor and a way of keeping those around him laughing.

Family members especially knew they were home the moment they walked through the door and heard his familiar greeting. His daughters and granddaughters— his “girls”—could always count on being met with a warm, “Hello, darlin’!” Herb could often be found down at his barn, tinkering with his tools and working on one project or another. He was especially proud to tell people that he had “built a bathroom” in the barn. He also worked on projects with his buddy, Ralph Benson, and built gourd houses for purple martins.

Herb was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delania “Louise” Stevens Simmons; his father, Ronnie Simmons; his mother, Texie Mathews Simmons; his brothers, Odis Simmons and Perry Simmons; and his granddaughter, Michelle Johnson. He is survived by his four children, Gary Simmons and wife Debbie, Barry Simmons, Susan Johnson, and Elaine Lee and husband Stenson; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

For all the places Herb traveled, the careers he held, and the history he witnessed during his 97 years, the life he built with Louise remained at the center of it all. Some of the simplest moments became some of the most familiar: the two of them spent countless hours sitting together, watching cars pass along the highway while Easy Instrumentals played on the television. His family likes to think of Herb and Louise together again, sitting on the front porch, side by side, watching the cars go by and holding hands once more.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.