Dr. Robert Simmons, Jr.

"Do not let your hearts be trouble. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you may also be where I am."

                                                                                                   John 14:1-3

Dr. Robert Simmons Jr. was born on January 12, 1947, to his late parents: Robert Simmons Sr. and Marion Moody Simmons in Savannah, Georgia.

At an early age, Robert was a member of Central Baptist Church, where he loved attending Sunday school and vacation bible school. He was a band member playing both the piano and saxophone at Sol C. Johnson high school and graduated in 1964.

After completing high school, Dr. Simmons received a music scholarship to Bethune Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Florida. During his time there, he was initiated into the Delta Beta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated in1966. Shortly after graduating, he worked as an educator for the Chatham County public school system.  During the Vietnam era, realizing that teaching was not his calling, Robert decided to serve his country and enlisted into the United States Army in 1969. After serving his county, with his love for science, Robert later became a pharmaceutical representative while attending dental school at the University of Maryland. Once completing school, he started his dental venture with special needs children in Gainesville, Florida. In 1984, Dr. Simmons relocated to Hinesville, Georgia, opening the first black owned dental practice in Liberty County. Soon after, in 1986, he married the love of his life, Bernice Yorker.

Robert spent many summers doing missionary work providing dental services to the people of Guatemala and Trinidad. Also, he was a charter member of The Eleven Black Men of Liberty County as well as a lifelong member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. Dr. Simmons was also a board member of the Frasier Counseling Center and an active member of Fellowship of Love Church in Christ. As church members, both Robert and Bernice lead a marriage group. He was a pillar to his community and was loved by all.

In his spare time, Dr. Simmons loved to travel, read, exercise as well as tell jokes. He always looked forward to spending time with his family, near and far. Also, he took pride in sharing his love for cars with his brother, Paskel as well as watching his family grow over his thirty-seven years of marriage.

Robert was preceded in death by his father Robert Simmons Sr. and mother Marion Moody Simmons.

Robert left to cherish his memory: the love of his life: Bernice, children: Tony (Taquan) Aranha, Aisha (Marcus) Baker, Zanita T. Simmons; grandchildren: Brandon Williams, Anaysia Williams, Brandon (Kayla) Baker, Bryce D. Baker, Britney A. Baker, Nia D. Simmons; brother: Paskel (Teresa) Simmons; nephew and niece: Paskel Simmons II and Stacey R. Simmons; father and mother-in-law: Reverend Eddie Lee & Evelyn Yorker; brothers-in-law and best friend: Bishop Henry (Doris) Burson Jr., Eddie Lee (Brenda) Yorker Jr., Ernest (Charlotte) Yorker, Stanley (Lisa) Yorker and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

On Saturday June 17th, 2023, God whispered in Dr. Robert Simmons, Jr. ear to come home and get his rest.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 am Friday June 30th, 2023, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1370 Shaw Road, Hinesville, GA.

Body will lie in state 9:00 am June 30th.

Public viewing 3-6:00 pm Thursday June 29th at the Chapel of Bynes-Royall, 204 West Hall St., Savannah, GA.

Professional services entrusted to Bynes-Royall Funeral Home, 204 West Hall St., Savannah, Georgia 31401

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