Born to Simon Virgil, Sr. and Alberta Glover on January 9, 1942 in Houston, Harris County, Texas. Simon was the oldest of four children born unto this union, he had one brother Frank Keith and two sisters Versie and his baby sister Nancy, who also shares his birthday.  When Simon was born his father was 48 years old, and his mother was 29 years old.  Simon "Ray" as he was affectionately called by his family, grew up in a loving home on Homestead Street on the Northside.  A gifted mathematician, he matriculated through the local elementary and junior high schools, and then attended Kashmere High School where he graduated with honors in 1961.  He enrolled at Texas Southern University to continue his studies.  While waiting at the Metro bus stop in downtown Houston in 1961, he met the woman who would become his wife, Eddie Marie Bailey.  On July 20, 1963, Simon and Eddie exchanged vows at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church in Houston, TX.  In 1966 Simon received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry Degree.  They went on to welcome three wonderful children Darryl Lynn Virgil, Derrick Earl Virgil, and D'Andrea Lashelle Virgil.  In 2005, they adopted granddaughter, Ashley Monae Virgil.

Simon began his professional career working for the United States Postal Service while he completed his degree. In 1972, Simon accepted a position with the Dow Chemical Company, and the family relocated to Midland, Michigan.  In 1974 Eddie also began working at Dow Chemical in the security department.  In 1978, the family returned to Texas and settled in Freeport. Simon worked for Schlumberger in Houston for one year before accepting a role as a Laboratory Technician with Shintech Corporation in Freeport, TX in June 1979.  He retired on February 17, 2013, after 33 years of dedicated service.

Simon accepted Christ into his life as an adult. Once the family made Bethel Baptist Church their home under the leadership of Bishop Milton White, Simon certainly got busy working in and for the church.  He was quickly named a Deacon and elected as the Church Treasurer, a position he held for many years.  Simon later became a member of First United Baptist Church where Minister Ondra D. Waddy was the pastor and is currently under the leadership of Minister David Rougeau.  He served as a Deacon and a member of the Financial Team until his passing.

Simon's greatest accomplishment on this earth was being a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and man of God.  He poured all his love into caring for his beloved wife of 57 years as she battled numerous ailments, being the greatest father he could be to his daughters and sons, and sewing all the time, love, and energy he could into his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He was a graceful and regal man who was pillar of strength for his family.

On September 30, 2021, God quietly whispered welcome home faithful servant, and he answered the call.  Simon "Ray" Virgil, Jr. was a refined, easygoing, witty, and loving man with a generous heart and a welcoming spirit, and he will be dearly missed.  He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife Eddie Marie Baily Virgil, loving parents, and his brother Frank Keith Virgil.  He is survived by his two wonderful Sisters, Nancy Virgil-Hardy and Versie Alexander, loving children Darryl L. Virgil, Derrick E. Virgil, D'Andrea L. Virgil and Ashley M. Virgil; doting Grandchildren Quinton J. Virgil, Bralynne E. Virgil, Brandon Helms, Shanton Gore, Darryl Virgil, Jr., Lashelle R. Virgil, Aeriel A. Virgil, Drew A. Dixon, Drake A. Virgil, and Daschel E. Virgil; five great grandchildren; and Sister-In-Love Beauteria Elliot; a host of nieces and nephews; cherished friends Rheda Valrey, William & Gertie Davis, Rhonda Boozy, Annette Simpson, George & Mary Roberts, and numerous other relatives and friends who loved and cherished him.

Visitation Friday October 8, 2021, from 9-11am. Funeral 11am. Services will be held at New Jerusalem B.C. 1615 Skinner St. Freeport, Tx. 77541. Interment Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

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