Raymond Noble Simmons, 83, SGM, United States Army retired, Peachtree City, formerly of Fulton, Mo., died May 27, 2009.He was preceded in death by a brother, Carl, a sister, Willie, and a baby son, Raymond. He was a native of Jackson Tenn. He joined the Army as an early teen in World War II, serving with distinction in the European campaign, as well as two tours in Vietnam. He was a member of the Big Red One Division based in Ft. Riley, Kan, and retired as a Sergeant Major after 30 years of service. He was awarded three Bronze Star Medals for Heroism in World War Il and an additional Bronze medal plus a Purple Heart and Legion of Merit Award for service in Vietnam. He began a second career as a civil servant at Westminster College, Mo., in the ROTC department. In his early years he was a Golden Glove middle weight boxing champion, and later competed in a running career with 18 straight Peachtree Road Race events.

Services were at the Carl J. Mowell chapel with the Rev. Joseph Stanley officiating. Interment was at Westminster Gardens, Peachtree City. Survivors include his wife of over 60 years, Ernestine Simmons, Peachtree City; children, Dieter William Simmons, Seattle, Wash., Mitchell C. and Wanda Simmons, Walnut Cove, N.C., Rose Simmons, Huntsville, Ala, and Ralph Raymond and Juanita Simmons, Fayetteville; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Carl J. Mowell & Son Funeral Home, Peachtree City, was in charge.