Raymond R. “Bob” Simmons passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the Blakehurst Community in Towson, Maryland, Born on July 17, 1931, to Dr. Raymond R. Simmons and Reine Musgrave Simmons, Bob grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and he attended high school at Christchurch School in Christchurch, Virginia, near Reine's family property, "Sunnyside," where she had moved to care for Bob’s disabled sister, Anne-Harrison.

In 1949, Bob attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Business in 1953. He then served with the U.S. occupation forces in Vienna. After the Treaty of Vienna ended his service, he resumed his graduate studies at UNC and was subsequently recruited by Wright Machinery Company.

Bob was introduced to Dorothy "Dottie" Underdown of Lenoir, North Carolina, by friends in Durham. They married in Durham in 1957 and in 1958 moved to Hickory, where Bob joined Hickory Springs Manufacturing. He had a long and distinguished career as the Vice President of Manufacturing, known for his original thinking and innovation. Bob played a leading role in developing the company’s industry-leading foam pouring, wire forming, and wire drawing technologies. Bob and Dottie raised their four children and were active members of the Hickory community until Dottie’s passing in 1986.

In 1988, Bob married Marcia Adams and later adopted her two daughters Catherine and Barrett. He retired from Hickory Springs in 1997 when they discovered and moved to Reed Creek Farm in Centreville, Maryland, a colonial farm and estate built in 1775 listed on the National Register of Historic Places on the Eastern Shore. Bob embraced his role as a steward of this important piece of history, often commenting that he did not think of himself as the “owner,” but rather someone to ensure it lasted another 250 years for the enjoyment of future generations. He continued improving the property as such even after Marcia’s passing in 2006.

A consummate gentleman and entertainer, Bob delighted in hosting gatherings, including a much-beloved annual Derby Party, which raised funds for cancer research. When not immersed in farm projects, he could often be found fishing in the Bay while he paused to appreciate the beauty of the area.
Bob was an active community member and passionate about preserving the region’s rural nature, serving as a Queen Anne County Commissioner from 2010 to 2014. He described his service as a commissioner as “one of the most interesting and fulfilling periods of my life,” placing a very high value in public service and the importance of participation in local politics. Indeed, even in his later years, he was actively researching solutions for Kent Islands septic challenges brought on by rising sea levels.

Bob remained at Reed Creek Farm until he moved to the Blakehurst Community in 2019, where he quickly became a vibrant member of his new community. Only bound by the constraints of COVID-19, he immersed himself in daily activities, from singing in the choir and learning bridge to perfecting his croquet game and assisting fellow residents with their gardens—all while nurturing his own.

Bob is survived by his children and their spouses, Linda (Kim) Mansfield, Mike (Beth) Simmons, Caroline (Kevin) Kelleher, Rob (Deana) Simmons, Catherine Lawson and Barrett Adams-Simmons. His grandchildren are Dorothy Simmons, Charlotte Simmons, Grace Simmons, Beau Simmons, Ben Simmons, Brendan Kelleher, Kiera Kelleher, Abby Lawson and Amanda Lawson.

Known simply as “Bob,” his nickname originated not from his full name but from his childhood where he was described as an energetic infant who constantly “bobbed” in his seat–a fitting prelude to a life fueled by boundless energy and curiosity. Whether disassembling gadgets to understand how they worked or diving into topics like alternative energy, insulation, or wastewater systems, Bob approached every challenge with passion and a drive to improve the world around him. He was always eager to learn about people’s backgrounds and their experiences in order to connect with people in a meaningful way. He said often and proudly how lucky he was to have such wonderful children and family.

Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

Please enter the amount you would like to give and click continue.