Capt. Dwayne F. Simmons, United States Army

Capt. Dwayne F. Simmons, United States Army

Dwayne Simmons was born November 22, 1973 in Moncks Corner, South Carolina and passed away August 29, 2010, at the age of 36, of a heart attack, in Richmond, Virginia.
He was based at Fort Lee, Virginia, having recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.

Dwayne graduated from Berkley High School, and earned a B.S. in Business Administration at Claflin University.  He joined the Army in 1996 and served in Desert Storm in Kuwait.

His military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Army Achievement Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.  He was an avid fan of the Pittsburg Steelers.

A Funeral Mass was held September 10 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Killeen, Texas with Chaplain John Gabriel officiating.

Scores of Patriot Guard Riders, from all over the country, convened at the church to form a line of American Flags at the entrance of the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.  The Riders, from as far away as Portland, Oregon and Canada, were in Killeen for the annual “Gathering of the Guard.”

After the service, over 100 motorcycles rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  There the Riders formed a line of flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said, and full military honors were rendered.

An Army rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  Taps was played by the Army bugler.  The flag that covered the casket was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Dwayne’s loving wife, Vannette, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army for his faithful service.  Folded flags were also presented to his mother and his two children.

Capt. Dwayne Simmons was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above, in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, son, daughter, mother, a brother, four sisters and many other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald and the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home for biographical information.

Link to television news report.

http://www.centraltexasnow.com/global/story.asp?s=13135081