Raymond A. Simmons

Portsmouth Raymond A. Simmons, a member of our greatest generation, died after a short illness on July 15, 2017. He was born on December 4, 1926, son of the late Clarence and Lydia Simmons. Reaching age 17, he enlisted in the US Navy, drove landing assault boats in North Africa, Iwo Jima, Tinian and Okinawan campaigns. He served in the Japan Occupation Force and was a China sailor on the Yangtze River. He completed a 23-year naval career in June, 1966, retiring as a Chief Commissary Officer. He completed a second career as an inspector for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and in later years was a successful real estate investor. Loved and respected, generous in time and resources, he was the consummate senior chairman of the Simmons family.Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by four wives; Missouri, Rita, Mary, and Eloise. He is survived by a sister, Beatrice Lundquist; nephew, Col Herbert S. Simmons and family; niece, Mary Bachman and family; and by nephews, Joseph, Robert, Michael and David Simmons and their families. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday morning, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road (Rte. 117) Warwick. The service will begin at 11:00 am. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter.