James Houston "Jim" Simerly, 87 , of Maryville and formerly of Spring City, died Tues day, February 26 , 20 19 at Concordia Fairpark Healthcare in Maryville.

Born in Maryville, Jim was the son of the late John and Myrtle Steele Simerly.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force and a graduate of Sa m ford University in Alabama with a degree in pharmacy. He and his family moved to Spring City in 1965 and opened Spring City Pharmacy . He retired in 1977 . After retirement, he and Lena moved back to the Maryville area where he continued to work part time for several years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. While in Spring City, Jim and Lena were very active members of the First Baptist Church where he held sever al positions including serving as a Deacon, Trustee and singing in the choir. Jim was always active with Gideons International.

Jim was preceded in death by his brothers Clay Simerly and Enoch Simerly and sisters Juanita Wood, Georgene Norton and Imogene Blackburn.

Survivors include his wife Lena B. Simerly of Maryville, sons Terry Simerly of Knoxville and Scott (Debra) Simerly of Fuqua y-Varina , North Carolina, five grandchildren and two great grandchild ren

There will be no visitation or services. As per his request, his ashes will be scattered over the Little River in Blount County.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 127, Dayton, TN  37321.

Vaughn Funeral Home, Spring City, Tennessee, is in charge of arrangements.  Please share your c ondolences and memories of Jim on our website www.vaughn-funeral-home.com .