Russell Eugene Simmons

Russell Eugene Simmons, 88 years of age, joined his beautiful bride Lillian and infant son Kyle in heaven Friday, May 8, 2015. Russ died at Hope Hospice in Bonita Springs, FL, following months of declining health. Russ was born on January 13, 1927, during a blizzard, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Ruby Pearl and Guy McCoy Simmons, who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his two older sisters, Mary Simmons Burcham and Geneva Simmons Selby. In 1949, he married Lillian Rae Stivers and they shared 64 years of marriage before her death on October 30, 2013. Their daughter, Kelly Jo Johnson, and her husband, Stuart Johnson of Fort Myers, FL survive. Also surviving are granddaughters Jennifer Rushelle Decicco (named for Russ) and her husband, Kyle Decicco of Fort Myers, FL, and Leslee Marie Harms of Colorado Springs, CO. Russ' in-laws, Roberta Stewart of Robinson, IL, Nancy Stivers of Mansfield, IL, and Dean Nugent of Napa, CA, survive; as do several nieces and nephews. At the age of 17, Russ enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the front lines in the South Pacific on PT Boat 151. When the war ended, Russ returned to Robinson and finished High School at Robinson Township High School before beginning work at Marathon Oil Company, where he worked for 39 years. Russ also sold real estate for Weber Realty and later, he and his wife Lil owned and operated Simmons Realty in Robinson. Russ and his brother-in-law, Donald Stewart also owned and operated Rudolph’s Christmas Tree Farms. The family shares many fond memories of the Christmas Tree business, including family wreath making and selling trees in the Gallo’s parking lot. Russ also put together a fundraiser for the Campfire Girls by selling Christmas Trees. Russ sold oil interests for Parrish Oil Company in Newton, IL, in later years and enjoyed sitting with the crews during the drilling of wells. Russ was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Robinson where he served as a deacon for many years. Russ was always generous with his time and spirit. He gave much to the community and to people he loved. Russ also held his pilot’s license, played the trumpet and was an accomplished artist. Russ and Lil moved to Fort Myers in 1986. In Fort Myers, Russ was President of both the Villia Capri Condo Association and the Brookshire Heather Ridge Condo Association. Russ was truly a member of the Greatest Generation. He fought for his country, without hesitation. Russ always provided for his family and friends and taught us all what “unconditional love” really is. He will be missed more than words can tell. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating the service. Graveside services will follow at the Robinson New Cemetery, with military rites being held by the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549. Memorials may be made in memory of Russell E. Simmons to: PT Boats. Inc., P.O. Box 38070, Germantown, TN, 38183. PT Boats Inc. is dedicated to keeping the memory of PT Boats alive for generations to come. Russ was a proud member of this organization and his daughter, Kelly Jo, is a proud 2 nd generation member as well. For more information, visit .