Robert Chandler Simmons

Robert Chandler Simmons transitioned peacefully from this life to the next on April 18, 2019, at his home in Brooklyn, New York.  He was born November 17, 1936 in Sapelo Island, Georgia to Walter Simmons and Annie Mae Walker.  

Robert matriculated from Alfred E. Beach High School in Savannah, Georgia on May 30, 1957.  He was recognized by the National Honor Society of Secondary Schools for membership in the Beach Chapter based on scholarship, leadership, service and character. Following high school Robert worked at a hotel on Sapelo Island. He enlisted in the United States Army in the early 60’s and was honorably discharged on December 31, 1965.  The remainder of his professional career was spent in Shipping and Receiving at Barney’s New York. He retired after thirty-five years on March 28, 2002.

Robert met the love of his life, Mae Ford, at a factory on Classon near DeKalb Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.  After watching her walk back and forth to the water fountain, admiring the dimples at the bend of her knees, they had their first date on a bus outing. They were together from 1966 until his passing.  Although she said she would never get married again, Mae changed her thinking and “told” Robert it was time. Robert and Mae, accompanied by Mae’s son Nathaniel Ford were married on July 10, 2006.

He was preceded in death by his infant brother Walter Simmons, his parents, his stepfather Alan Green, his stepchildren; Barbara, Nathaniel, Leonard, Bennie, Willie and Richard.
Robert is survived and missed by his wife, Mae Ford, daughter Veronica Simmons, cousin Bernice Banks, grandchildren, Kimiko and David Gilmore, Kenneth and Heather Black, Xavier Ford, Leah and Victor Williams, Adrian and Cathy Ford, Marlon McPhail, Kimberly West, Avery West, and Beresford West; great- grandchildren, Lauryn Howard, Alexis McPhail, Mateo McPhail, Daylon Little, Khiri Ford, Naiyana Ford, Sarai Ford and a host of great-great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and beloved friends.

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