Robert Lee Simpkins Jr.

Robert Lee Simpkins Jr., 78, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, in Columbia, Tennessee. Born on December 19, 1946, in Huntington, West Virginia, Robert was raised in the quiet hollows of Right Fork Beech Creek, where the values of faith, family, and perseverance were instilled in him from an early age.

On August 11, 1968, Robert married the love of his life, Judith Kay Browning, in Glen Alum, West Virginia. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in love, faith, and family for 56 years, until Judith’s passing earlier this year on July 5. Their enduring devotion remains an inspiration to all who knew them.

A man of remarkable intellect and dedication, Robert retired as a United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, where his integrity and pursuit of justice earned him respect from colleagues and the community alike. Beyond his professional achievements, Robert was a man of many passions. In his younger years, he loved the competitiveness of tennis and basketball. A gifted pianist, he found joy in the rhythms of jazz, in quiet afternoons spent reading, and in the simple delight of watching a good movie. His heart was tender toward all of God’s creatures—especially dogs, who always seemed to know they had a friend in him.

Above all, Robert’s greatest happiness was found in his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a loyal brother and friend. His presence was a source of wisdom, kindness, and comfort, and his absence will be deeply felt by all who were blessed to share life with him.

Robert was preceded in death by his beloved wife Judith; his parents, Robert Lee Simpkins Sr. and Helen (Adkins) Simpkins; his cherished daughter, Jill Simpkins; and his dear grandson, Nicholas Clay Simpkins.

He is survived by his sons, Robert Lee (Tammy) Simpkins III of Fairview, Tennessee, and Benjamin Paul (Maria) Simpkins Sr. of Collinsville, IL; his sister, Anne (Mac) Vaughan; his grandchildren, Robert Lee Simpkins IV, Benjamin Paul Simpkins Jr., and Leslie (Kyle) Eicholtz; along with loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A visitation celebrating Robert’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, Illinois, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at the Simpkins Family Cemetery in Right Fork Beech Creek, West Virginia, at a later date.

The family invites all who knew and loved Robert to share memories and condolences online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Robert will be remembered not only for his achievements, but for his laughter, his music, his unwavering love for his family, and the legacy of kindness he leaves behind.