OBITUARY: Roy Jay Simerly

Roy Jay Simerly, age 50 of Harrisburg, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, peacefully at his home after a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on Oct. 14, 1964, in Hammond, Ind., to J.B. and LaDonna Simerly who survive. He formerly worked for Dover Construction and Lane Erector's. On March 16, 2001, he married Robyn (Jones) Simerly who survives.

He is survived by a son: Jake Simerly; and a daughter: Lauryn Simerly of Harrisburg. Also surviving are two sisters: Yolanda and husband Scott Betz of Stonefort and Regina and husband Shannon Davis of Galatia; father-in-law: Clarence Jones of Eldorado; brother-in-laws: Mike Jones of Harrisburg and Jeff Jones of Eldorado; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by mother-in-law: Barbara Jones; grandparents: Roy and Icelee Duncan and Thurman and Virgie Simerly.

Jay was a devoted, loving husband, father, son, brother and uncle who put everyone else before himself. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was an avid hunter and beekeeper. He enjoyed cooking for people, gardening, canning, making lip balm and soap. While undergoing chemo and radiation, he continued to do all these things and attend his children's school activities. He attended Spring Valley Church and was strong in his faith in God.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at Reed Funeral Chapel. Travis Butler will officiate. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday with Masonic Rites by the Harrisburg Masonic Lodge. Burial will be in Spring Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to offset medical and funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family through the obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.