Robert Wayne Simmons' Obituary
Master sergeant Robert Wayne Simmons, age 78, passed away on Sunday, December 3, 2023, in Carrollton, TX. He was born to Mrs. Minnie L. Simmons and Mr. Robert Lee Simmons on February 16, 1945, in Dallas, TX. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his siblings Edward, Nellie, Doyle, Oliver, and his brother-in-law Jerry Watkins, and sisters-in-law Sue, Wilma Jean, and Wilma Dean.
Wayne is survived by his best friend, love of his life, and devoted wife of over 56 years, Joy Sue Simmons. He leaves two children: Gregory Wayne Simmons and wife Disa of Richardson, TX, and Thomas Alan Simmons and wife Rashmi of Carrollton, TX. He leaves seven loving grandchildren: Tara and Mia Simmons; Luke, Marla, Diego Simmons; his two bonuses, Rishaan, and Ayu Jain; and two great-grandchildren: Riley and Harvey Smith. Wayne is also survived by his sister, Nettie Watkins.
Wayne grew up in Dallas, TX, with his parents and five siblings: Oliver Simmons, Mesquite, TX; Doyle Simmons, Dallas, TX, Thomas Edward Simmons, Jemison, Alabama; Nellie Hastcoat, Rowlett, TX; and Nettie Watkins, El Dorado, AR. Wayne had a pleasant childhood in West Dallas, and graduated from Crozier Technical High School. He attended East Texas State University but left before graduating to start a career in the Air Force that lasted 24 years. Wayne went on to work for the City of Dallas for another 19 years before retiring.
Wayne met Joy while acting as a chauffeur to their sisters: Nettie and Brenda. Brenda Crumley and Nettie were like sisters, and when Wayne and Joy later marred on November 18, 1967, in Dallas TX, the two families have been united since.
Wayne had a distinguished career of 24 years in the Air Force. He served in many foreign locations such as: Heraklion, Crete; San Vito Italy; Taipei, Taiwan and Misawa, Japan. Wayne retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergent in 1992. He briefly settled in El Dorado, AR, but finally ended up in Mesquite, TX, where he started working for the City of Dallas in their public works department. He worked for 19 years there, before retiring. Wayne lived with Joy in Mesquite for approximately 30 years before finally relocating to Carrollton, TX with his son, Thomas.
Wayne was an avid reader, and particularly enjoyed books on classical history and naval history. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing golf and was quite a ping-pong player. His favorite music genre was Classic Rock, enjoying artists such as Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, The Beach Boys, and many others.
Wayne was an intelligent, kind man with a warm heart. He smiled often and his smile lit up the room. Wayne was modest and quiet and was the embodiment of honesty and integrity. Wayne had a great sense of humor and would often catch you off-guard with his dry wit. Wayne was lovable and easy-going and was loved by everyone he knew. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was immensely proud of them.
Wayne was a devoted, loving husband and father. He was kind and affectionate and had a very gentle disposition. He passed his love of reading on to his children, and often engaged in thought provoking conversations with them. Wayne demonstrated an extraordinarily strong work ethic, which he taught to his children. He was the perfect example of doing the right thing, even if no one else would know. Through his career in the Air Force, Wayne exposed his family to many different countries and cultures and fostered an open-mindedness to other ways of doing things. Wayne was very much a home body. Despite this, he always encouraged and supported Joy and the kids to go out on their own adventures.
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