Raymond "John" Simmons

Simmons, Raymond "John", Age 85, Ray is survived by his Wife, two Sons, Daughter, four Grandchildren and four Great Grandchildren. Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Lansing, Michigan. He served in the Air Force out of High School and then entered the corporate world. He worked in food service managing accounts in Ohio that included GE, Avon, and Westinghouse. After 23 years he could no longer contain his entrepreneurial dream of owning a restaurant.

He opened his first restaurant in 1983 and went on to operate five locations over 13 years. He moved on to the vitamin business and opened 9 franchise stores, once again, over 13 years. The 13 year itch hit again and he sold the franchise stores and opened an independent vitamin store. This store is currently in its 15th year of operation and is run by his son.

Ray was a Boy Scout leader for many years and loved helping the boys plan the menus for their camping trips. Ray is well known for his love of playing Blackjack. Obviously, he had a passion for the planning and detailing of opening a new business and the excitement that came with it.

He was a loyal Bengals fan through good and bad seasons. Known for his dapper attire and infamous for his jokes. A friend recently said that Ray never met a stranger because he would open with a joke and good conversations followed.

Ray will be fondly remembered for his love and devotion to family. We know he is at the high stakes table hitting 21 every hand.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that any memorials and donations be sent to Hospice of Cincinnati, C/O Bethesda Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 633597, CIncinnati, Ohio 45263-3597.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rosehillfunerals.com for the Simmons family.