Robert Simmons

Robert Jeter Simmons, age 100 of Crossville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Cumberland Medical Center in Crossville. 

He was born in an old farmhouse in Como, TN, on January 28, 1926, to the late Robert Roy Simmons, and the late Iva Delle Hedges Simmons. 

In Springfield, TN, on February 10, 1978, he married Sandra Galyen Simmons. Sandra survives of Crossville, TN. 

Robert was a member of Central Baptist Church in Crossville, Tennessee. He was a 1943 graduate of Cottage Grove High School. He completed an apprenticeship program in Tooling and Die making with Ford Motor Company. That opened many doors to advancements including being part of two Ford automobile assembly plant startups in Woodhaven, MI and Buenos Aires, Argentina. He spent 22 years with Ford in various journeyman, supervisor and General Forman positions, followed by 17 years with York International in Madisonville, KY. He traveled and worked as manufacturing engineering consultant into his 80s, following his retirement from York as a senior manufacturing engineer. He loved to play bluegrass and bluegrass gospel music, with the mandolin being his favorite instrument. He was known to play the fiddle and guitar. During his later years he jammed with some local musicians at the Assisted Living home in Crossville, TN and later at the Fair Park Senior Center with a group of musicians called “Fair Park Jammers”. 

In addition to his wife, he is also survived by four children, Ken (Naomi) Simmons of Gainesville, FL, Deb (Cleve) Miles of Florence, AL, Bob (Mary) Simmons of Anderson, SC, and Rick (Joy) Simmons of Hazel Green, AL; three step-children, Lisa (Kenny) McClain of Rutledge, TN, Tim Bonebrake of Sullivan, IL, and Tom (Patty) Bonebrake of Portland, TN; sister, Bonnie Bowers of Pinson, AL; five grandchildren, Jeb (Kristy) Miles, Josh (Melissa) Miles, Rubyejean (Michael) Lupo, Kelly Kozuba, and Eddie (Heather) Kozuba; six step grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, Jackson Miles, Lynlee Miles, River Miles, Gunner Miles, Caleb Strickland, Edwin Kozuba, Noah Rigdon, and Tessa Rigdon; and eight step great-grandchildren. 

Along with his parents, Robert was preceded in death by five siblings, Gaylon (Lois) Simmons, Junior (Sylvia) Simmons, Thelma (Paul) Doherty, Georgia (Charlie) Hill, and Martha (Junior) Nichols; and one brother-in-law, Sim Bowers. 

Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN 38242, is handling the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Kerry Shopher officiating. 

Burial will follow at Olive Branch Cemetery with Jeb Miles, Josh Miles, Gunner Miles, River Miles, and Michael Lupo serving as pallbearers. 

Memorials may be made to Olive Branch Cemetery, 3265 Mt. Sinai Rd, Buchanan, TN, 38222.