Terry R. Simmons

Terry R. Simmons, 80, of New Philadelphia, passed away at his home on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Born May 15, 1945, in Dover, he was the son of the late James "Lefty" and Donna Soley Simmons. He was preceded in death by two infant children, Nadine and Wesley Simmons, and his brother, Jimmy Simmons.

A 1964 graduate of Dover High School, Terry excelled as an athlete, earning All-Ohio honors in football and basketball while also playing baseball. He was a member of the famed Dover Basketeers in grade school and later played Class A baseball after graduation. His accomplishments led to inductions into the Cy Young Baseball Hall of Fame, the Dover High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Tuscarawas County Hall of Fame. Following high school, Terry began his career at Reeves Steel. He was drafted into the United States Army and served two years during the Vietnam War before returning to Reeves, where he retired in 1998 after more than 30 years of service. Never one to stay idle, he then worked in maintenance at Buckeye Career Center for nine years.

Terry married Donna Campbell on August 10, 1968; they shared 57 years together. He took great pride in coaching his sons during their sports careers and remained a dedicated fan of Cleveland's professional teams and the Ohio State Buckeyes. He belonged to several golf and bowling leagues over the years, staying active and competitive well into retirement. For 18 winters, he and Donna spent time in Winterset, Florida, where they volunteered with the Pittsburgh Pirates during spring training and stayed active in the community. Sports and family were the center of Terry's life.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Campbell Simmons; sons, Eric (Theresa) Simmons of Arkansas, Kevin (Nancy) Simmons of Dover, and David (Lela) Simmons of Columbus; grandchildren, Riley, Payton, and Connor Simmons; and sisters, Linda Mackey of Atwood and Tyra Breehl of Baltic.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7th starting at 11:00 am in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover. The family will be greeting friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.