Robert Kimmons

1949 - 2021

1949-2020. Robert (Bob) Jay Kimmons, of Phoenix, MD passed away on Monday, December 14 from complications from COVID. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Kimmons (Seney), his daughters, Neely Christine Kimmons and Colby Kimmons Savadove and her husband, Joshua, and two grandsons, Charlie and James Savadove. His long time step-family siblings, Wilbur Gantz, John Gantz, Peggy Gantz, and their families were important in his life as well. Flora Kimmons (Gantz) was his father's wife after the passing of his mother in 1974.

Bob was raised in Baltimore City and was a graduate of the 1967 class of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, the last class to graduate from the original site on North Avenue. He received his degree in Construction Management from Baltimore Junior College and attended Johns Hopkins University.

His father, Robert Neely Kimmons was a carpenter foreman whose last job was the Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station. His Mother, Evelyn Rebecca Kimmons (Kinard) was a homemaker.

Bob and his wife Stephanie met as teenagers and celebrated their 50th Anniversary on July 11, 2020.

Bob's family, social, and business life was rich and loving. When asked, his grandsons remembered he always emphasized "hard work" and that "if you were going to do something, do it right the first time."

He started working for Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in 1969 and retired in 2014 after 45 years of service. His leadership spoke to his personality. He personified patience, persistence, and problem- solving that encouraged and challenged the people who worked for and with him. He retired as a Division Vice President overseeing the University of Baltimore Law School construction and many other higher education projects.

The President of Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Tim Regan, shared these memories. "Bob was an extraordinary builder and leader, but his legacy is much more than that. He was the gentleman of all gentlemen, and his thoughtful and caring presence in every conversation was a precious lesson and example for all of us."

Bob supported the community by serving on several boards. In 2014 he was recognized by The Baltimore Business Journal as an Outstanding Director for his work in the non-profit area. He has been associated as a board member and chair for Goodwill of the Chesapeake for 35 years and he served for 20 years on the board of the Board of Child Care of The United Methodist Church, Inc. Over the years he served on a number of committees at Towson United Methodist Church.

At the time of his death, Goodwill of the Chesapeake, Inc established the Robert J. Kimmons Good Guy of the Year Award.

He was proud to be one of the senior members and treasurer of the Washington Lodge No.3 of the Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons, Maryland's oldest lodge established in 1770. In addition, he was a 32degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of the York Rite. Joining late in life, he found rich new friendships that spanned generations.

After Bob's death his body was sent to NIH as his final contribution to the community to aid in the research into COVID and its related complications. His ashes will be interned in the Columbarium at Towson United Methodust church.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of life will be held in the fall.

Donations can be made to one of three organizations he and his wife, Stephanie, supported.

The United Methodist Board of Child Care (www.boardofchildcare.org)

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake (www.goodwillches.org)

Young Audiences Arts for Learning, Maryland (www.yamd.org)