Roll of Honor
Incident
Deputy Sheriff Clarence Simmons was shot and killed by two brothers in retaliation for the death of a third brother during a police pursuit. He was driving on Franklin Road, two miles south of Uncles Tom's BBQ, when a vehicle pulled alongside him and the occupants opened fire with a shotgun. The three brothers were part of a gang involved in making illegal whiskey. Both brothers were apprehended in Beckley, West Virginia, a few days later. They were transferred back to Roanoke County and charged with murder. Their first trial ended with a hung jury. On August 27th, 1936, they were both charged with two murders in Franklin County, Virginia. On December 18th, 1936, their second trial for Deputy Simmons' Murder resulted in a second-degree murder conviction for both. They were each sentenced to 20 years. Two months later both brothers were transported from the Virginia State Penitentiary to Franklin County where they were tried for two murders. Their first trial ended with a hung jury. On May 27th, 1937, they were both convicted and sentenced to 99 years each.
Survivors
Deputy Simmons was survived by his expectant wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-VA-CDADD4A0- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Simmons served with the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Salem community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Simmons.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Deputy Sheriff Clarence Edward Simmons is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In VA, 395 of 654 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 60.4% of this state's fallen. That is 6.2 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Roanoke County Sheriff's Office, 2 of 3 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 66.7% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Clarence Edward Simmons's cause is highlighted.
How Clarence Edward Simmons Compares
Offender Outcome
Sentenced to 20 years
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Clarence Edward Simmons is highlighted in Apr.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Clarence Edward Simmons was killed by shotgun.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
2 officers from Roanoke County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
