Robert Earl Simmons was born on July 21st, 1941 in Sampson, North Carolina. Both parents, Levander and Vera Simmons, along with siblings, Elaine Simmons, Walter "Monk" Simmons, Joe Lewis Simmons, Carrie Jean Morrisey, and Winnie Faison preceded him in death. Robert, also called "Robert Earl" by his siblings and "Bob" by his friends, received his education in the Sampson County Public School System. He joined the U.S. Army in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1969. After his service he moved to Paterson, New Jersey and resided there until 1989 when he then moved to Riverside, Missouri. He retired from Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri in February 2007. Robert married Carol Coker on September 8th, 1984. From this 30 year union one daughter, Rhonda M. Simmons, was born. He joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ in 1992 and became a faithful member of the Male Chorus, the Men's Sunday School Class, and Trustee Board until his illness. Robert leaves behind his wife, Carol; two daughters, Rhonda M. Simmons of the home and Cynthia (Joe) Williams of Kenansville, NC; one son, Earl Simmons of Clinton, NC; four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; four sisters: Mary (Rudolph) Bell, Doris Watkins, and Annie (Wendell) Draughon, all of Clinton, NC, and Anna (Joe) Bright of Faison, NC; four brothers: Nathaniel Simmons of Turkey, NC, Otis (Alethea) Simmons of Kinston, NC, Matthew Simmons and William "Man" Simmons both of Faison, NC; three sisters-in-law: Alberta Thomas, Laura (Robert) Hickson, and Marcia (Herbert) Andrews all of Olanta, SC; Godparents: Mr. Paul and Mrs. Hilma Barnes of Paterson, NJ, and Mrs. Barbara Flowers of Kansas City, MO; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members and friends. Home Going services will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Greater Six Runs Missionary Baptist Church, 400 Six Runs Road Turkey, NC, 28393 A public viewing will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Hope Valley Funeral Service & Cremation 1246 Hobbton Hwy. Clinton N.C.