Robert Dale Simmons
Robert Dale Simmons of Simpsonville died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, September 5, 2022. He was born July 17, 1952, in Savannah, GA, to Mavis (Pat) and Cecil Alden (Jerry) Simmons. He spent most of his youth in Lake Charles and Shreveport, LA, where he developed his love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He graduated from Captain Shreve High School in 1970 and attended LSU, where he belonged to Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He was a member of the inaugural class of the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1977 after having served as Senior Class President. In 2008, he was honored as the LSUSVM Distinguished Alumnus and continued to support the school as a class agent ad member of the Dean’s Circle.
Bob practiced at Bossier Animal Hospital, Bossier City, Louisiana, for two years until 1979, when he changed his career focus and entered industrial medicine at Beecham Pharmaceuticals (now SmithKline) in Bristol, TN. in 1989, he joined Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals (now Merck) located in NJ, from which he retired in 2014 as Vice President, Global Pharmaceutical Development. At Merck he was responsible for developing products for both companion and food animals. He authored numerous professional articles and was the holder of several patents. He was a member of the AVMA, ACVIM, AAEP, AABP, and many other professional organizations.
A member of Bridgewater United Methodist Church in Bridgewater, NJ, he served on various committees, participated in several youth service projects, and was a confirmation mentor for many years. He was the longtime Scoutmaster for Troop 46, Martinsville, NJ, and a charter member of the Rocking Chair Patrol. In Greenville, he served as a volunteer in various capacities for the American Red Cross and was a member of Cedar Ridge Plantation Hunting Club. He was a member of the Seekers Sunday School class at Buncombe Street United Methodist Church, whose love and support during his illness have been phenomenal.
Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his wife of over 43 years, Julia Simmons of the home; two sons, William Simmons and his wife Danielle of Morristown, NJ, and John Simmons and his wife Carolyn of Simpsonville; five grandchildren, Jackson, Mason, and Madison Simmons of Simpsonville, and Tyler and Rowan Simmons of Morristown, NJ. He is also survived by his sister Doris Matousek and her husband Rick of Maryville, TN.
A visitation will take place Saturday, September 10, 2022 from 10:00-11:00 am in the Orders Parlor Buncombe St. United Methodist Church, 200 Buncombe St., Greenville, SC 29601, with the memorial service following in the Chapel at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Swim Across America, Inc., 8508 Park Rd., #389 Charlotte, NC 28210; or Greenville County Animal Care, 328 Furman Hall Rd., Greenville, SC 29609, with Second Chance Fund in the memo line.
Dear Julia,
I am very sorry to hear the sad news about Bob. He was a good friend and colleague for over 40 years. Highly respected by everyone he worked with. We have missed him here for many years since he retired.
May God bless his soul and give you all the strength to bear this loss.
My deepest condolences to you, Will and John.
Best regards,
KJ
Dear julia will and john robert
We are so sadden by your precious loss
Bob and dad was such a wonderful husband and father
We have had so many wonderful times together
So sorry we can not celebrate his life
with you
Our olderst granddaughter will be married at our house saturday
Love
Jay and sally
Dear Julia,
We have many grateful memories of Bob. He was a wonderful person to work for, a classic gentleman and had witty humor. He is an incredible loss.
We are deeply saddened over his passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Holger & Devinder
Simmons Family,
Although we have never met, we feel as though we know you all through your son Will. He has told countless stories of his father and we share our deepest condolences with you all.
Rest In Peace and May God watch over you all.
Dan, Ann, and Eleanor Evans
Dear Julia and Family,
We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Bob. He was a great friend. We worked on several projects together over the many years at Animal Health. He was very knowledgeable, respected and liked by his peers. He always had time for you and was a good educator of people. I have many good memories of the times we spent together and will miss him. My condolences to you, Will and John and the rest of your family.
Simmons Family,
I am so sad to hear about Bob’s passing and also missing the funeral while i was out of the country. Bob was an amazing person, friend, and hunting buddy. I have always enjoyed our times at Cedar Ridge Plantation when Bob was able to join. He would always get us with his ‘mild” peppers! Bob was most respected and will be missed terribly! Bob will be in our thoughts and we are glad that he is not suffering any longer, and at peace.
Angie and I wish everyone the best and we are close by if you need anything, please reach out.
God bless!
Lindsey Elrod