Ronnie Simmons

So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Ronnie Edwards Simmons was born on November 11, 1948 to Rufus Lee Sr. and Earnisteen Simmons in Lowell, MA. He was the second child of six children: Rufus Simmons II, Earnest Timothy Simmons (Deceased), Marilyn Simmons, Dora Burton and Walter Washington. Ronnie graduated from Randolph High School in 1966, and then proceeded to graduate from the Blue Hills Regional Technical Institute (Massasoit College) where he majored in Graphic Art and Design. Ronnie was the beloved husband of Kimberly Simmons, the loving father of three daughters: Talitha, Taylor, Jordan and proud grandfather of Olivia.

Ronnie was a member of the Greater Framingham Community Church where he served in many capacities. He was a loving, caring and sensitive man whose quick-wit brought smiles to the faces of those around him. Ronnie’s artistic talents were discovered at the tender age of seven when his art work was displayed at the Lowell Public Library and in the Lowell Sun Newspaper. Ronnie grew up to be a phenomenal artist who had the ability to transform his art into a life like masterpiece. His talent was truly a gift from God. Ronnie retired from Raytheon after 20+ years of service where he made many great contributions. He was a man who spent the majority of his life making a difference in the lives of others and rarely took or got credit for anything he did (Thank you Ronnie!). Ronnie’s selfless spirit brings to mind the scripture, 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7, “Love suffers long and is kind: love does not envy: love does not parade itself, it is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek it’s own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Ronnie met the love of his life, Kimberly Simmons (Smith) just 2 years ago who would later become his wife. They both had felt that they had finally met that special person, particularly selected for the other by God. While their time together was very short, Ronnie often spoke of their union as one that made him feel complete and a sense of peace he had never experienced before. Along with the many special moments that were shared between them, Ronnie readily developed a unique closeness and loving relationship with his mother and father-in-law.

Ronnie departed this time side of life on October 4, 2012 with a strong statement to loved ones to “Carry On!” Those left to cherish, honor and celebrate his life include his loving wife, Kimberly, his children, Talitha, Taylor and Jordan, his step-sons Corey and Remington, his granddaughter, Olivia, his siblings, Rufus Simmons, Jr. (Velma), Marilyn Simmons, Dora Burton (Gregory), Walter Washington, Wayne Simmons (Mercedes), and Ricky Simmons, his God-son, Rufus III, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, close friends and church family. Ronnie Edward Simmons will be sorely missed but never forgotten.