Hoyt L. Simonds, 74, of Franklin, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Harvey Simonds and Laura DeHart Simonds. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Bill, Vaughn, Walter "Spud", Frank and Ernest and three sisters, Myrtle Helms, Delpha Simonds and Frances Holbrooks. Hoyt worked for Claude Welch Builders for over 30 years as a painting contractor; was an avid outdoorsman and was a member of Prentiss Church of God.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley Watson Simonds; two daughters, Kathy Parham of Texas and Karen Fleming and husband Rance of Mountain City, GA; five sisters, Ruby Harris and husband Cody and Betty Howie and husband Frank all of Harrisburg, Irene Belk of Charlotte, NC, Violet Tolliver of Matthews, NC and Joyce Drinnon of Waynesville, NC; brother-in-law, Boyd Holbrooks of Franklin; sister-in-law, Alza Simonds of Franklin; four grandchildren, Ashley Parham, Amber Parham, Sasha Fleming and Austin Fleming and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 4 at the Prentiss Church of God. Rev. Don Moffitt and Rev. Tim Hayes will officiate. Burial will be Addington Cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Pallbearers will be Jerry McCall, Ed Simonds, Roger Simonds, Austin Fleming, Charles Phillips and Ben Huggins.

Memorial donations can be made to Prentiss Church of God Home Missions, PO Box 1713, Franklin, NC 28744.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com