Roy Simmons, III

Roy Simmons, III

March 03, 1962 - January 30, 2025

Obituary

MCFARLAND - Roy Simmons III, age 62, of McFarland, passed away unexpectedly in his home on Thursday, January 30, 2025. He was born on March 3, 1962, in Madison, WI, the son of Roy II and Nellie (Briggs) Simmons.


Roy graduated from McFarland High School in 1980 and went on to graduate from the Wisconsin School of Electronics. He married his high school sweetheart, Mary (Larsen) Simmons on October 15, 1983, in McFarland.


Roy worked most recently as Chief Broadcast Engineer for iHeart Media. Prior to that he worked as Broadcast Engineer, radio talent for Midwest Family Broadcasting and as a co-owner with AMS (Auto Marketing Services).


Roy was very proud of his children and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was a Basenji dad most recently to Bendel and her puppies Ty and BeBee. Roy had a lifetime dream to go fishing in Canada which he recently fulfilled. He was a dedicated Packers and Brewers fan. He took great pride, and spent a lot of time creating the most epic lawn in the neighborhood.


Roy is survived by his wife, Mary; son, Roy (Megan) Simmons IV; daughter, Jenelle (Jordan) Powers; grandchildren, Lily and Roy V Simmons; Carson, Hudson, Henry and Grant Powers; brother, Pat Simmons; and sister-in-law, Emily Larsen. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nellie and Roy; sister, Gay Simmons; and parents-in-law, Duane and Olivia Larsen.


A visitation will be held at Gunderson East Funeral and Cremation Care, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025.


In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420



Events

10
Visitation
Mon Feb 10, 2025 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
No photos of Roy have been shared yet.
MB
Michael Bové
Other •
I am glad to have known Roy and worked with him at iHeart Media Chicago Region. I'm sad to lose a friend with whom I shared experiences and insights on the radio broadcasting business. I will miss him! May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort.
KC
Karen Chapin
Other •
Roy was not only a valued colleague, he was my friend. We shared a love of radio engineering and rock and roll music. He was always there to help troubleshoot and fix issues with the many radio stations he kept on the air, or share a joke with me. I will miss him every day. My heart goes out to Mary and his family. Karen Chapin
KC
Karen Chapin
Other •
Roy was not only a valued colleague, he was my friend. I will miss him every day. My heart goes out to Mary and his family.
PN
Paul Nachreiner
Other •
Roy was a partner in our business at AMS. Although we did not spend a great deal of time together as we worked in completely different parts of our business, He was a good leader and a great helper. One of my favorite memories with Roy was at one of those golf outings. You know, the kind where 4 people from your business go out and play best-ball... even if you suck at golf. Roy, like myself, had a big very wide foot. Every time we'd get on the green, Roy would pull the flag and step right on the hole, creating a softer edge and a little bit of a funnel effect. I've never seen anyone else do that. What a fun guy. He will be missed. I hope that time heals the pain for the family and the great memories of Roy are with them forever.
AC
Alec Connolly
Other •
Roy was more than just a colleague—he was a great friend and an incredible engineer. Working alongside him at iHeart was both an honor and a privilege. We shared so many great conversations over lunch, talking about everything from work to life, and I’ll always cherish those moments. His passion for radio was undeniable, but even more than that, he loved his family deeply and spoke about them often. His kindness, humor, and generosity made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, my friend.
TS
Tom Schultz
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Roy as a mobile DJ in our early years of Jukebox Bandstand. Truly a nice guy and an easy going demeanor. You have my sincere condolences. Tom

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