Robert Junior Simmons

Robert Junior Simmons, 79, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Duke University Hospital.

A funeral service to honor Robert’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 7th at Grace Holiness Church on Harkers Island, officiated by Rev. Jamison Plank. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, May 6th at Grace Holiness Church. Robert will be laid to rest at Gethsemane Memorial Park. For those who cannot attend, the service will be available for viewing through Robert’s obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website for 90 days.

Robert was born on October 31, 1945, in Columbus County, NC, to the late Bobby and Gracie Myrtle Simmons. He honorably served his country in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard and then went on to work as a welder for Civil Service where he later retired from. He was an active member of Grace Holiness Church and a former Mason in Morehead City.

Robert enjoyed spending his leisure time playing golf, supporting his favorite sports teams, particularly Duke and NC State, as well as enjoying the thrill of a good NASCAR race. He was fascinated with birdwatching, which was only enjoyable until a squirrel came along. Robert always appreciated a good meal and was often seen with his favorite Coke Zero in hand.

Robert will be fondly remembered as a devoted husband of 35 years, a caring father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather who held his family close to his heart.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Judy Simmons; daughters, Robin Jenise Rockafellow of Hope Mills, NC, Anna Maria Simmons of Hope Mills, NC, Pamela Renee Harper (Bryan) of Benson, NC, Crystal Gail Poulos (Deno) of Fayetteville, NC, and Billie Watson (Nathan) of Newport, NC; sisters, Betty S. Burke (Lawrence) of Fayetteville, NC and Barbara S. Dunahoe (Henry) of Red Springs, NC; brother, Thomas Simmons (Linda) of Newport, NC; grandchildren, April Marie Erdos, Bobbi Jean Simmons, Calan Rockafellow, Bradley Simmons, Devin Tew, Scott Tyler Hall, Sierra Hautamki, Thanasis Poulos, Stella Poulos, Nathan Watson II, and Emma Grace Watson; and 4 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his aunt, Ruth Ray and uncles, Lloyd Simmons, Roscoe Simmons, and Lonnie Simmons.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.