Richard Bruce Simonson

He is survived by his wife Susan (Ross) Simonson; 3 children, John Simonson (Jennifer), James Simonson (Tiffany) and Joy Grafton (Thomas); and 9 grandchildren Aymee, Malachi, Elijah, Brayden, Evyn, Chara, Addison, Mary and Turner; as well as 2 sisters Norma Savage and Patricia Martin and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Major Sewell Philip and Hazel (Eakins) Simonson; multiple aunts and uncles, including his beloved aunt Ellen (Felice) White; and his granddaughter Paisley Belle Simonson.

He loved his profession as a professional engineer and took great pride in his work. He loved meeting people wherever he went, would talk to anyone who would listen, loved to laugh and lived every moment of life to the fullest. He was often found in his woodshop, where he created many thoughtful pieces as gifts for others and furniture for his family and friends. He was a passionate Alabama fan and could often be found yelling at the screen, for many years with his lifelong friend, Butch Dawson. He loved spending time with friends and family, his Monday morning Bible study group, and attending and socializing at his church. He was also an avid storyteller, creating stories for his children that he also passed down to his beloved grandchildren, most notably his story about Alligator Ben. He was incredibly proud of his children. He was the first person all three would call about everything, whether it was how to fix something or advice about life. His greatest joy in life was his grandchildren, and he loved to watch them enjoying the legacy he and his wife built at his lake house in Pell City. But his greatest accomplishment in life was driving his wife crazy for 54.5 years of marriage, whom he loved dearly.

A celebration of life service will be held on February 14, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Pell City. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the building fund for New Life Church in Pell City, where he was proud to be a founding member.