Robert Milton Simmons, Jr.

Robert Milton Simmons, Jr. 'Mike'? of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away Saturday, August 30, 2014, in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on July 20th, 1939, in Wilmington, North Carolina. He was the son of Robert Milton Simmons and Geraldine Barker Ellison, both who preceded him in death. Mike is a member of the Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Mike was a wonderful father and devoted grandfather. He enjoyed athletics '? holding several state records in Tennessee for track and field, playing football at Oak Ridge high school and the University of Tennessee, and continuing to work out into his seventies. He also loved woodworking, teaching, and sharing his passions with friends and family. Mike was a graduate of Oak Ridge high school (1958), the University of Tennessee (1962), and he received a Doctorate of Education (1970) from the University of Tennessee. Mike was lifelong educator and teacher. He served as a teacher, a school principal, and a school superintendent of several schools systems, including the Johnson City Schools from 1983-1993. He retired from professional life as the superintendent of Johnson City schools in 1993. He is survived by his wife Nancy Jane (Ferguson) of Johnson City TN, by his children Michael Marlon (Kay) Simmons of Athens TN, Brant Richard (Jane) Simmons of Lebanon OH, Scott Robert (Ann) Simmons of Simpsonville SC, and Ryan Mitchell Simmons of Marysville TN; and his stepchildren Robin (Rob) Adams of Johnson City, TN, Troy Hunt of Limestone TN, Justin (Jamie) Hunt of Jonesborough TN, and Chad Hunt of Limestone TN; seventeen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Sharon Conner of Albuquerque, NM, and Patricia Lou (Wayne) Coffey of Tazewell, TN; and his aunt Joanne Barker (Maniago). The family would like to extend a special thanks to their community group at Grace Fellowship Church, and the care team at the Johnson City Medical Center for their compassionate care during Mikes last days. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Alzheimers Association (www.alz.org) are much appreciated. The family of Robert Milton Simmons, Jr. 'Mike'? will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Tuesday, September 2, 2014, in the Grace Fellowship Church, 2314 S. Greenwood Drive, Johnson City. The funeral service will follow with Rev. Larry Nees officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 11 AM Wednesday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Minister, family and friends are requested to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 AM Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery.