Edwin H. Simmons, Jr., 72 of Spotsylvania, Alexandria, and Bowling Green, passed away on Monday, October 14, 2024. Born in Ohio, Ed was raised in Northern Virginia, where he attended Fort Hunt High School and came of age as a writer, poet, and musician.  He pursued those interests at the University of Virginia (B.A. with Distinction, English) and at Virginia Commonwealth University (M.F.A., Theatre and Playwriting). He made his passion for writing and music his profession. He was an English teacher and tutor in Louisa and Alexandria, a playwright in Richmond and Boston, and a freelance columnist and reporter for numerous publications, including The Caroline Progress. While living in Bowling Green, Ed often could be found playing his dulcimer and banjo at venues around the town.  And when he returned to Alexandria later in life, he found employment and great joy in performing for seniors at retirement homes in the area. Ed found comfort and friendship as an active parishioner in many churches over the years, including St. Asaph’s Episcopal Church in Bowling Green and most recently, Christ Episcopal Church in Spotsylvania. Throughout his life and wherever he went, Ed sought to brighten lives and bring people together. One example, Ed conceived of, planned and executed UnityFest! in Caroline County, in his words, a “multicultural, family-friendly music festival featuring diverse local musicians and celebrating peace, love, community service and the connectedness between us all.”

Ed is survived by his siblings Clarke Simmons (Clare), Bliss Simmons Robinson (Chris), and Courtney Simmons Elwood (John), and he was the warm-hearted uncle to many nephews and one niece.  He was preceded in death by his beloved beagle, Daisy, and scores of other pets whom he rescued over the years.