Obituary of Dr. Guy Held Simmons Jr.

Dr. Guy Held Simmons, Jr., age 87, husband of Patricia “Pat” (Roth) Simmons, of Harrodsburg KY died Friday, October 4, 2024 at The Willows of Harrodsburg. Born October 9, 1936 in Macon, TN, to the late Guy Held and Bertha Mae (Nee Glover) Simmons Sr. Dr. Guy H. Simmons Jr. is a pioneer of nuclear medicine physics. Beyond professional achievements in developing technology, educational, and quality assurance standards; he is a treasured and trusted friend who developed life-long relationships. Dr. Simmons started his professional career in Cincinnati, Ohio where he studied under Dr. Jim Kereiakes while helping to develop the first Bachelor’s degree program in Nuclear Medicine technology. Following completion of his PhD at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Simmons was recruited by the University of Kentucky (UK) to serve under dual appointment to the College of Medicine and was an early contributor to the use of computers in nuclear medicine. Among many professional roles, Dr. Simmons served as President of Ohio River Valley Chapter (ORVC) of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) (1974-1975) as well as the national organization (1995). A career public servant, Dr. Simmons “retired” after thirty-one combined years of service with the United States Public Health Service and the VA. Retaining his academic appointment at UK, Dr. Simmons started another chapter in his career founding a successful radiological physics consulting company that would continue to serve the region for 25 years. During his distinguished career, he developed strong friendships with fellow luminaries, many lasting 40 or more years. Dr. Simmons is known as a true friend with a terrific sense of humor; soft spoken with, “strong hands and an iron will.” He is survived by his wife: Patricia “Pat” Simmons, two daughters: Sarah (Tom) Rougeux and Lydia Simmons, and two sons: Scott Simmons and David (Jennifer) Simmons; one step son: Steven Poppas; nine grandchildren: Lillian Rougeux, Samuel Rougeux, Peter Rougeux, Cecilia Rougeux, Lucas Simmons, Weston Simmons, Christopher Cherosky, Hanna (Larry Lane) Hume and Lindsey Poppas; four Great Grandchildren: Harper Mosco, Isla Simmons, Kaden Hume and Ledger Hume; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Daughter, Tracy Simmons, Step Son, Eric Scott Poppas, two daughter in laws, Angel and Shirly Poppas, and Sister, Mary Ellen Simmons Bewley. As Dr. Simmons wanted; a private visitation and memorial service will be held with family and friends. Arrangements by Ransdell Funeral Chapel, where expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family on Dr. Simmons’s Tribute Wall at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com