Simon, Robert Earl (Pop Pop) 84, of Clearwater died January 9, 2016. He was born in Weldon North Carolina on January 30, 1931. He is preceded in death by his wife of 40 years Jacquelynn Elizabeth Simon. He started working at eleven years old delivering groceries on his bicycle to nearby homes. He joined the army at the age of 18. He was stationed overseas most of his career and served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During his military career he received the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Vietnam. In 1965 he was in Montgomery, Alabama during the 50 mile march from Selma to Montgomery and shook Dr. Martin Luther King’s hand. He retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant after 21 years of service. He also worked as an auto mechanic and then drove a fuel tanker truck for many years until retirement. He is survived by his children Lonnie Simon, Bobbi Sheffield, Toni Delong, Joni Smith, Patti Gommer, 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Private services will be held at Sylvan Abby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Heart Association.
