Mark Simmons, affectionately known as “The Honey Man,” is on a determined path to recovery.
WILLIS, Texas — For the first time, the Montgomery County man known to many as “The Honey Man” is speaking publicly about the crash that nearly killed him last May.
Mark Simmons, 70, was selling honey from his usual roadside spot along FM 1097 near Lake Conroe when a vehicle slammed into him. He had been resting in a chair against his van when he woke to the sound of two vehicles heading his way.
“I must have had some angels with me, because not that many people get that way and survive it,” Simmons said.
Simmons suffered extensive injuries, including fractures to both sides of his pelvis, a hip replacement, surgeries on both ankles and a knee, and a wrist procedure.
He spent the first three months after the crash in the ICU and has continued rehabilitation at home in Willis, where he now uses a walker as part of his recovery.
“I went from being lifted out of bed with a hoist, to walking with a walker so far,” he said. “I’m still crawling my way back up.”
Authorities arrested 76-year-old Robert White in connection with the crash. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office said White faces a pending charge of intoxication assault with a vehicle.
Video from the scene shows Simmons lying on the ground, severely injured and surrounded by shattered jars of honey. Simmons said he hasn’t watched the footage yet.
Despite the long road ahead, Simmons said he is grateful for the customers, neighbors and strangers who have offered support throughout his recovery.
“These people were good. These people are still being good to me,” he said.
Simmons’ physical therapist visits him several times a week, and he said he is determined to walk again — and eventually return to the work he loves.
“As soon as I can get on that walker, I’m going to get some transportation, and I’m going to go back to selling honey,” he said. “They want to talk, I want to talk. I just enjoy talking to people — you meet all kinds.”
Simmons said he hopes to bring back his honey stand in a new location as soon as he’s physically able.
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