Donald Edgar “Don” Simkins Jr., 78, died peacefully, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born in Norfolk, he was the son of the late Donald E. Sr. and Florence E. Simkins.

Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, nephew and cousin.  He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 53 years, Helen W. Simkins; three sons, Wesley Simkins (Moni), Timothy Simkins (Anita) and Brian Simkins (Kellie); seven grandchildren, Tara, Nicholas, Courtland, Haley, Joshua, Katelyn, Natalie and Carver; and three great-grandchildren: Elijah, Trinity and Triston. Don had a particularly strong relationship with his nephew, DJ Everton-Lovell.

His sisters, Nita Everton and Donna Brown and their families; aunts, Nita Argante and Iva Everton; cousin, C.J. Everton Jr. (Sharon); and a host of extended family and friends will sorely miss Don’s warm personality, sense of humor and mentorship. 

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his granddaughter, Daniella.

Don and his wife Helen started their married lives in Newport News. They also spent some 20 years in Wilmington, N.C. and five years in Jeffersonville, Ind. They have been living in Smithfield for the last 10 years.  

Don enjoyed weekends at home with his family, chasing his great-grandson and visiting local museums. Quick of wit, Don left a smile with everyone who knew or came in contact with him. 

A graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Don spent over five decades as a nuclear engineer. At the time of his death, he was a consultant and mentor at the Brunswick Power Plant in Southport, N.C.  

Family and friends will gather for visitation at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 25, in Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton, followed by a service at 2 p.m. to celebrate Don’s life.  

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Don’s name at www. Hopefloatsnc.com or Hope Floats, 414 James Tart Road, Lillington, N.C.  27546.
Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, Carrollton.  Friends and family are encouraged to post condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.