Robert “Bob” Simmons, a “young 98”, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah. He was born on January 25, 1926, in Barren County, KY, to the late Robert Ray and Gladys Ryan Atkinson Simmons.
After serving with honor in the United States Navy during World War II, Bob pursued his passion for chemistry and physics, graduating from Western Kentucky University. His academic achievements laid the foundation for a distinguished career. Bob retired as a Chemist Lab Supervisor from the Union Carbide/Martin Marietta Plant, where his expertise and leadership were invaluable. He was a member of Rolling Hills Country Club. His professional accomplishments were further recognized through his role as Past President of the American Chemical Society, where he made significant contributions to the field.
Beyond his professional life, Bob was an avid tennis player and golfer, finding joy and camaraderie on the courts and the greens. He was a man of faith and an active member of the Broadway Church of Christ in Paducah. Family was the cornerstone of Bob's life. He was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughter, Nancy (Rick) Ragland of Paducah; a brother, Guy (Annette) Simmons of Glasgow, KY; two grandchildren, Wesley Clay (Santy) Ragland of Lexington, KY and Rae Ann (Ben) Walker of Paducah; four grandchildren, Quinn Ellis Walker, Layne Walker, Kyler Ragland and Dylan Ragland along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Dorothy “Dot” Coleman Simmons and a brother, Rollin Simmons.
Funeral services will be at 2:30 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Dustin Campbell and Andy Clausen officiating. Visitation will be from 1:30-2:30 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah. Graveside services will be at 12:00 PM Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery in Glasgow, KY with Bart Warren officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Broadway Church of Christ, 2855 Broadway Street, Paducah, KY 42001 or McCracken County Humane Society, 4000 Coleman Road, Paducah, KY 42001. Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com
