Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1985
DIED
2009
Robert Simmons Obituary
He was born Feb. 27, 1985, in Jacksonville, the son of Thomas and Rebecca Eileen Kesinger Simmons.
He is survived by his grandparents, Robert and Dorothy Kesinger of Jacksonville; his father, Thomas Simmons of Virginia; a sister, Hannah Simmons; three aunts and uncles, Linda and James Conover of Jacksonville, Toni and Larry Birdsell of Murrayville and Dixie and Norman Crays of Jacksonville; and many cousins.
Robert was employed at Midwest Youth Services as a crisis counselor. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from MacMurray College with an Associate of Science and a Bachelor of Social Work. He was awarded the All American Scholar Award and the Richard L. McGuire Award for Best Essay. He was a member of Gates to Glory near Murrayville, where he served as their drummer. He had his own gospel group, "Youngblood," and also sang with the Bobby K Singers. He was also a member of the Explorers Group and was a Big Brother. He was a songwriter and drummer and enjoyed spending time with his basset hound "Josie." He was also chosen Prom King and Most Friendly for Jacksonville High School Class of 2004.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday at Williamson Funeral Home, with burial at Asbury Cemetery. Friends may call after 12 Noon on Wednesday at the funeral home, with the family to meet friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Gates to Glory. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.airsman-hires.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Simmons
Dawn Gregory-Hayes
August 6, 2009
Some people are born to shine-Robert was one of those people. He was a never-tiring champion for the Lord and a wonderful human being. A talented,kind,gentle soul has left the earth and we are all better for knowing him. Now,he can walk hand in hand with his mom and his King on streets paved with gold. We should not grieve, but celebrate the fact that we were touched and blessed by this amazing young man.
Ginger DeCamp
August 6, 2009
I sat in awe, as I read Robert's name in the obituaries. What a sweet and caring young man! The kindness he showed to others on this earth, can only be matched by the sweet kindness, demonstrated by his awesome mother, Becky. He, like his mother, will be sadly missed by all who love him. To the entire Simmons and Kessinger Families... be assured, there are hundreds, if not thousands praying for your peace and comfort, as you go through the days ahead, and adjust to life without Robert. His absence, will leave a void, that only the Lord can fill. I love you all!!
Chuck and Sherry Fouts
August 5, 2009
My sincere thought and prayers are with the family.Robert had a lot of good days here on earth . now he is meeting with the biggest day of his life he is with his mom and the lord. we will all miss him as he was funny and fun to be around if you got to know him . you had to love him. He was like the rest of the family. Lord look after them all. Chuck and Sherry fouts family
Bobbi
August 5, 2009
My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the Simmons and Kessinger families. Robert was one of my childhood friends and i will forever cherish the memories ive had with him. He was an amazing person. As soon as i heard about his passing, i thought about when he used to sing "grandpas rocking chair" when he was younger. He was so talented. His smile was contagious and he was one of the best people ive honestly ever known. To the kessinger and Simmons families, please try to find happiness knowing that Becky has been reunited with her amazing son and try to find peace knowing that some day we will all see him again in heaven. im so sorry for the pain i know your all going through right now. I'm so heart sick over his loss and he will be truely missed by so many people.
Jessica
August 5, 2009
Robert was just the most caring and understanding guy. I worked with him at the Boys and Girls Club and he was just a great guy to have around and make your day a better one. My prayers are with his family and friends. God Bless.
Dave, Jennifer, and Andrew Danosky
August 5, 2009
We were very shocked to learn of the passing of such a fine person. We are blessed to have had Robert touch the life of our son through the Boys and Girls Club. He was always so caring and compassionate and was wonderful at the job that he did. He had such a bright future. He will be missed by so many. Thank you Robert for the short time you were in our lives, we are grateful for it.
August 5, 2009
I will miss you very much Mr. Robert. I will talk to you in heaven again someday.
Lisa & Tim (DeLong) Thorson
August 5, 2009
We will pray for this wonderful family as they celebrate Bobbys homecoming with Jesus. We are Blessed to be among many who lifes have been touched and changed by your family. May God continue to hold you in His hands as you travel though this life.
Terry Fox
August 5, 2009
Im in shock. This guy was the best.A good friend of mine. He was the most careing guy you could know and My prayers and thoughts are with his family. God Bless them all
Beverly Goodey
August 5, 2009
Robert went to school with my kids starting in grade school all the way thru high school. I used to worked at Elliott Bank and remember Becky bringing him in when he was little. She was so proud of him. My prayers are with your family
Vicki
August 5, 2009
Robert was such a great example of God's love here on earth. He was unique in his ability to share this love with everyone he met. He will be missed terribly by all who knew him. But I keep thinkin' about the wonderful reunion he is having with his mom and our Wonderful Savior. We will see him again.
Sara Fry
August 4, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with Robert's family and friends. May you all have peace knowing you will see him again in Heaven.
Jenn Wiley
August 4, 2009
Robert was truly one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever met. He loved helping people and touched so many lives. I wish the family my best through these difficult times. Robert will most definetly be missed.
Richard McCoy
August 4, 2009
On behalf of the faculty at JHS I extend our deepest sympathies on Robert's passing. He was a fine young man. I have never known a friendlier student, thoughtful, helpful and caring. Robert will be deeply missed.
Cheksea Combs (Meyers)
August 4, 2009
He was a great friend to everyone in highschool. He will be missed by many. He is with his #1 friend right now, GOD.
kenna jenkins
August 4, 2009
robert was a awesome person. i cant explain how much he touched my life and other people lifes to.he loved his job and the kids he worked with and his little brother. he is going to be missed. but we get to see him again soon. he is with his mom up in heaven looking down at us and telling us not to be upset. he is with his father up in heaven... i will keep the family and josie in my prayers. josie meant alot to robert!! that was his baby.wow its hard to say goodbye to someone that you loved
Brian Ganz
August 4, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to the Simmons family. Robert was one of the most genuine, caring, positive influences we ever could have asked for in a volunteer. He will be missed by many people.
Sharon Shafer
August 4, 2009
I only had the pleasure of meeting Robert one time,but I new after meeting him that he was a very special young man.He and my daughter Kim were friends.He will be missed by so many. Our prayers go out to your family.
New City Community Church
August 4, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
August 4, 2009
I am so sorry for our great loss here on earth, but I know his mom (Becky) will take great care of him in heaven. Robert was one remarkable young man and touched alot of peoples lives.
God Bless
Sheila Crays
Aaron & Tiffany Griffith
August 4, 2009
Words cannot express the how sorry we are for your loss. We can all take comfort in knowing that Robert is in the presence of the King of King and Lord of Lords. Someday when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory!
John Cox
August 4, 2009
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Robert was a treasure as a student and one of the finest young men I have known. My heart goes out to you. We will all miss him greatly.
Brenda Goodey (Chamberlain)
August 4, 2009
I am very sorry for your loss...prayers going up for all of the family..God Bless!
August 4, 2009
My heart goes out to the Simmons family. We truly lost a great friend on this earth. Heavens gain is our loss.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Simmons's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Simmons
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Simmons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
