George Ayen Simons

George Ayen Simons, 90, of Asheville, passed away Monday, February 16, 2015 at Universal Healthcare Center. A native of Elmira, NY, he was a son of the late George Stinson Simons and Kathryn Mary Simons. He was a pilot in the US Air Force, where he flew B-24's in World War II for Air Transport Command (White Project). He also worked for 33 years as a tower operator for Conrail and was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and Grace Covenant Church. Mr. Simons is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gerry Simons; two sons, Richard G. Simons and his wife, Charlotte of Asheville and William C. Simons and his wife, Sherry of Phoenix, AZ; two sister in laws, Ginny Doughty and her husband, Harold of San Diego and Esther Colton of Asheville; one niece, Kathy Vanderhoef and her friend, Kris Skelly; six grandchildren, Jeffrey Simons and his wife, Michelle of Denver, CO, Kelly Taylor and her husband, Gary of Winterville, NC, Jenny Marilla and her husband Brennen of Boston, MA, Dr. Chris Simons and his wife, Caroline of Winterville, NC, Gregory Simons and his wife, Kasi of Phoenix, AZ and Matthew Simons and his wife Jessica of Phoenix, AZ as well as eight great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2015 at Grace Covenant Church. Mr. Simons will be interred at Woodlawn National Cemetery in Elmira, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123 (www.cancer.org). Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.