Robert Edward Lee Simmons

Obituary For Robert Edward Lee Simmons

Robert Edward Lee Simmons was born in Quitman (Brooks County), GA, to the late Charlie and Corean Simmons on July 30, 1938.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents - Charlie and Corean Simmons; his daughter - Dorothy Harris; and his siblings - Lizzy (Willie) Ray, Patana (Stomer) Golden, Maudia (Henry) Whitfield, Snow Ollie Moore, Clarence (Jean) Simmons, Claudia Mae Simmons Davis Williams, and Infant Jackie Simmons. Robert’s first marriage was to Loretta Phelps. To that union, three children were born: Dorothy (Alonza) Harris, Robert Simmons, and Ijeffery (Gregory,Sr.) Rice. He has four grandchildren - Jahanda (Antonio) Swinney, Janae Sumter, Kelly (Tavaghn) Monts, and Gregory Rice, Jr. - and five great grandchildren.

Although Robert may not have been found sitting in a church pew every Sunday, he professed his belief in God and accepted God as his personal Lord and Saviour. Robert was a soft-spoken, generous man. He often reminisced about singing in church such favorite songs as “A Charge to Keep I Have” and “Won’t It Be Grand.” He burned out many CD players in his later life listening to such gospel artists as Mahalia Jackson and The Mighty Clouds of Joy. He enjoyed all genres of music.

Robert is remembered as a hard worker who faced life’s challenges and made a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was grateful for his career journey that included such jobs as a Progressive Life Insurance agent, an employee of the Atlanta Gas Light Company, a tour bus driver, a vehicle assembler at the Ford (Hapeville, GA) plant, a barber, and a landlord of rental property. He ultimately retired as a Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) bus driver after a freak accident.

In 1998, he fixed his business and relocated from Atlanta back to his hometown, Quitman, GA, to ultimately be close to his mother and siblings at his final resting place. Robert went to his eternal home on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Funeral services for Mr. Robert E. Lee Simmons will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Evelyn McGhee Repast Center (1105 S. MLK Drive, Quitman, GA 31643). Livestream will be available. Burial will follow at the Walker Miles Cemetery in Quitman, GA.

Visitation for Mr. Robert E. Lee Simmons will be held on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home.

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