Lee Roy Simmons

Lee Roy Simmons, 82, passed away June 27, 2025. Lee was born in New Tazewell, Tennessee to the late Cluster and Lillie Ford Simmons. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his loving wife, Brenda Diane Simmons, as well as his sisters Wanda and Irene and brother Hollis.
Lee entered the Navy in Nashville, June 18, 1961. He attended boot camp in San Diego and upon graduation was assigned to the hospital ship USS Haven (AJ-12), in Long Beach, California. After more than a year on USS Haven, he was selected to attend submarine school in Groton, Conn. Subsequently, he served in three nuclear-powered ballistic submarines - USS Alexander Hamilton (SSBN-617), USS Woodrow Wilson (SSBN-624) and USS Casimer Palaski (SSBN-633) - all coincidentally, as a gold crew member. He is a plank owner of the Alexander Hamilton and was Chief of the Boat on board Casimer Palaski. He took the NAS Norfolk air station MCPO billet in January 1981. During his retirement ceremony (January 31, 1984) he was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding contributions to the NAS Norfolk community. Additional awards he received are Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and Navy Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.
After the Navy, Lee had a successful financial career, followed by his "fun" career as a tow truck driver. He enjoyed NASCAR, University of Tennessee sports, playing the guitar, teaching Sunday School, social gatherings, time with family, cooking and reading.
Lee is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Johnson and her husband, David; son, Gregory Simmons and his wife, Tina; grandchildren, LeAnn Bordone and her husband, Zack, Jason Johnson, Victoria Smith, Christopher Simmons and Andrew Simmons; great grandchildren, Alexis Thomas and Skyler Johnson; and his brother-in-law, Dennis Howard and his wife, Vicki
A special thank you to Rose, and her husband Reeder. Rose was one of the caregivers for my mom and stayed on as a companion/helper for dad after mom passed. She became part of the family and wanted to be his caregiver once his health began fading. Many times, she put her personal life on hold because Dad did not want another caregiver. In the end, Rose and Reeder were there around the clock to ensure he was well cared for.
A service to celebrate Mr. Lee's life will be held Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 2 pm at Graham Funeral Home and Crematory, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake, with full Military Honors. A reception will take place immediately following for continued fellowship in the reception center at the funeral home. Please visit grahamfuneralhome.com to view the service and to leave a condolence to the family.