HENRICO, North Carolina — Michael S. Simonton, 77 of Henrico, North Carolina died April 15, 2025 at Autumn Care Rehabilitation Center in Nashville, North Carolina following complications from a stroke. He passed away peacefully with his children by his side. 

Mike was born September 7,1947 in Rockport, Maine. He was the son of Donald and Carolyn (Blackington) Simonton and graduated from Camden-Rockport High School. He married Barbara Higgins from Camden and together they had two children, Carolyn and Michael. He joined the Army and fought in the Vietnam War. 

Mike loved fixing vehicles of all kinds and he worked as an auto mechanic. He and Barbara lived and worked in Wakefield, Massachusetts and Orange, Virginia, later buying a home and settling in Gordonsville, Virginia, the same town his brother Tim and wife Kassie lived. They spent time together talking about their gardens and Mike helping on Tim’s farm. They would take trips together in the fall to food and wine festivals, maple syrup farms and apple orchards. Later, he opened his own automotive shop in Franklin, Virginia. He enjoyed car races and worked with Ricky Rudd, a popular race car owner and driver. When he wasn’t working on cars, he could be found in his gardens caring for his many vegetables and herbs he enjoyed cooking with and canning. He loved Maine and for many years came home in December to visit his family. He enjoyed spending time with his brother Don. They would talk, reminisce, and tinker on his vehicles. He would spend time with his brother Scott often helping him with work. He loved Christmas shopping, particularly at L.L.Bean and all the other stores in Freeport, Maine. He would always return home with a fresh cut Christmas tree and a van full of gifts for his children and grandchildren. 

Mike is predeceased by his parents, Donald and Carolyn Simonton; brothers Gary Simonton and Donald Simonton; sister-in-law Jody Simonton and ex-wife, Barbara Simonton.

He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Barfield and husband Ashton of Gordonsville, Virginia; his son, Michael Simonton of Camden, and 6 grandchildren: Edward Barfield, Kaleigh Barfield, Sean Barfield, Rhiana Simonton, Mikayla Simonton and Camden Simonton.

He is also survived by two brothers: Tim Simonton and wife Kassie of Gordonsville, Virginia and Richard (Scott) Simonton of Washington, Maine; sister, Linda Simonton and husband Wayne of Hope, Maine' sister-in-laws Sally Simonton of Rockport, Maine, Janette Simonton of Warren, Maine and many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his wife Judy, of Henrico, North Carolina.