Robert was born August 8, 1970, in Gainesville, FL, the son of Maria Angeles Vaquero of Seville, Spain (now known as Angie Vaquero Simmons) and Kenneth Williams Simmons of Cleveland, Ohio and Searcy, Arkansas. Robert’s parents met and fell in love while Ken was serving with the U. S. Air Force and had been stationed in Seville, where he was assigned to the Armed Forces Radio and Television Services. It was there that he met Robert’s mother, Angie, who worked for a local Spanish radio station. On July 16, 1969, after Ken completed his military service but before leaving Spain, Ken and Angie were married, then came to the United States.
The family moved from Florida to Searcy when Robert was very young and he remained there until graduating high school. He was a member of the Searcy Swim Team and won a state championship in the breaststroke event. He attended college at the University of Central Arkansas earning a degree in Accounting. His most recent position was as a Certified Financial Examiner Manager with the State Insurance Department.
Because Robert made a career of being a friend, he will be deeply missed by the many who knew and loved him. Loyalty and support of those he cared about came easily to him and they were offered without a second thought. His compassion often extended beyond his circle of family and close friends proving that his concern for others was not from a sense of duty or responsibility, but was a deeply ingrained trait.
He was generous with his time and attention and was always eager to lend a hand. He had a love of animals, especially dogs. He was dedicated to his family, making regular visits, frequent phone calls, and never missing holiday and birthday get-togethers.
His favorite social activity was sharing dinner with groups of friends. He was a regular member of Friday and Saturday night groups, using his quiet wit and antagonistic humor to inspire both laughter and deep conversations. He was at times goofy and hilariously funny but always displayed intelligence and knowledge of current events.
He was a great navigator, but was teased mercilessly about his slow, overly cautious driving style, often stopping at green lights. Despite his reputation for being steady, reliable and somewhat predictable, there was a part of him that enjoyed a bit of adventure leading him to make two tandem sky dives.
He is survived by his mother Angie Simmons of Searcy, a brother David Simmons and sister in law Jill, and two nieces Tori Simmons and Haley Simmons, all of Conway and countless other family and friends whom he touched throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his father Ken Simmons.
His family wishes to convey their deepest appreciation to the physicians, nurses and personnel at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary for their extraordinary care and compassion in caring for Robert after his diagnosis, and those who cared for him in his last days at the hospice. Special thanks are extended to Fr. Warren Harvey, Catholic chaplain of St. Vincent’s Infirmary for his many visits, prayers, friendship and loving care of Robert.
Rosary services will be held on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Searcy, AR, with funeral Mass to follow. A private graveside service will be held for family and friends at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, AR following the Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, a pet shelter located at 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR, 72210. Include a note, giving them Robert’s name as the honoree and where you would like the acknowledgment sent.
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