Ralph E. Simmons Sr, age 88, of Madison, OH, peacefully passed away on May 17, 2022, at Heather Hill Care Communities in Munson Twp., OH.  He was born July 20, 1933, to Arcellous and Monna (nee: Bennett) Simmons in Thornwood, W.V.  He married JoAnn Kelley Hawkins on August 3, 1991, in Madison, OH. 

Ralph came to Ohio from West Virginia and began working for Cleveland Crane and later became the founder and president of Simmons Construction and Excavating. He enjoyed spending his winters in Florida. He loved the outdoors and taking care of “Twin Brook Estate” where he loved to mow and be on his John Deere tractor. Most of all he loved family gatherings at the cabin. 

He is survived by his wife JoAnn of Madison, OH; children, Patricia (Eddie) Williams of Charlotte, N.C., Dale (Sue) Simmons of Madison, OH, Renee (Craig) Opalich of Aurora, OH, Daniel (Ann Marie) Simmons of Eastlake, OH, Mark (Robin) Simmons of Chesterland, OH, and Ralph Simmons Jr. of Sachse, Texas and blessed with 19 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and three sisters.

A picnic to celebrate his life will be held at the cabin located at 6438 Chapel Road, Madison, OH, 44057, at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022.

The family suggests donations be made in his memory to Bella Care Hospice, State Route 45, Austinburg, OH 44010 for their excellent care.

Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio.

Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.