Rodger Dale Simons, 75, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Friday, March 17, 2023.

Born on March 25, 1947 in Cumberland, he was the son of the late Dr. George Murray Simons and Barbara (Nutwell) Simons.

Rodger graduated from Fort Hill High School where he played baritone saxophone in the jazz band. He attended the University of Maryland and graduated from Frostburg State College with a B.A. degree in Psychology, where he also played in the jazz band.

Rodger spent his entire career of 47 years at the Allegany County Health Department. He started out in Direct Care in the Children’s Program. He went on to become the Director of Addictions. He was instrumental in establishing both the Massie and Jackson Units housed at the Finan Center, and received state and national recognition for these programs. Eventually, he became Director of the combined Addictions and Mental Health Programs. He ended his illustrious career as Behavioral Health Director.

Rodger was a devoted, loving husband of 45 years and was happiest at home enjoying hunting deer and turkey on his 102 acre property.

Rodger is survived by his wife, Teresa Straw Simons; his daughters, Valerie Clark and husband Matt, Warrenton, VA, and Vicki Custer, Short Gap, WV; siblings, Scott Simons and wife Joan, Martinsburg, WV, Mark Simons and wife Mary, Chambersburg, PA, and Sally Simons and husband Richard Bestenbostel, Adolphus, KY; three grandchildren, Brandon Buzzard, Andrea Samantha, and Alexis Clark; and, four great grandchildren, Graham, Anders, Braylon, and Kentlin.

A memorial service will held at Berean Independent Baptist Church, Fort Ashby, WV, on Saturday, March 25 at 1 p.m., with Pastor Rick Riley, officiating.   Visitation at the church from noon until 1 p.m.

Condolences may be posted at www.upchurchfh.com