Bob Simmons

James Robert Bob Simmons, age 88, resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away Monday, February 25, 2008, in a local healthcare facility. He was a charter member of the Northside Presbyterian Church since 1964 where he had served as elder for many years. He was employed for 65 years in the grocery industry in Cleveland from 1931 " 1996. He and his wife moved to Cleveland in 1940 to manage the Home Store across from the Courthouse. At one time he owned and operated Bobs Food Store. He retired from Cookes Food Store as produce manager. Bob was a veteran of the United States Navy and served his country in World War II. He was a member of the Optimist Club of Cleveland where he had served as treasurer. He helped to organize the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. He and his wife were members of the Calico Square Dance Club. Bob was an avid sports fan having loved Braves baseball and Tennessee sports. He also loved to garden. He was very devoted to his church and his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Noble J. and Mildred McCracken Simmons, four brothers, Noble J., Jr., Thomas R., William G. and Russell E., Simmons, Sr.

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Mary Simmons, Cleveland, TN; one son and daughter in law, Bobby and Pat Simmons, Cleveland, TN; two daughters and son in law, Brenda McLain Kennedy, Cleveland and Susan and Neal Killen, Madisonville, TN; one sister, Mildred Benton, Maylene, Alabama; eight grandchildren, Kelley Massey, Mark McLain, Jennifer Brown, Robbie Simmons, Angie McCurry, Jamie Bankston, Abbie Baggett and David Simmons; 13 great grandchildren. Two sisters in law, Rachel Simmons, Chattanooga, TN and Helen Simmons, Kingston, TN; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 28, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Northside Presbyterian Church with Dr. David Tullock officiating. Interment will follow in Chattanooga National Cemetery with Mike McCurry, Jay Baggett, Robbie Simmons, David Simmons, Mark McLain and Mike Massey serving as pallbearers. The body will lie in state for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Northside Presbyterian Church.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Grissom Funeral Home who has charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.grissomfh.net