Roger Mark Simmons
Roger Mark Simmons, 74, of Frisco, Texas, formerly of Glasgow, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Roger was born on June 29, 1952, in Kokomo, Indiana, to Garland Ray Simmons and Donnie Era Harrison Simmons. After losing both parents at a young age, he was raised by his older sister, Mable Perdue, and her husband, Wardean Perdue, along with their sons, Gary and Freddie Perdue. Gary and Freddie were more like brothers to Roger than nephews.
Roger developed a love for radio broadcasting early in life, following in the footsteps of his brother-in-law, Wardean, who was also a radio personality. Known on the air as Greg “ELI” Michaels, Roger began his broadcasting career at WEEN in Lafayette, Tennessee, before working at WOVO and WCDS in Glasgow, Kentucky. With his memorable personality and signature catchphrase, “Rocking Your Socks Off,” Roger enjoyed sharing his love of music with listeners throughout the region.
Roger spent much of his adult life in Glasgow, Kentucky, where he built a career and raised his family. He dedicated 33 years to R.R. Donnelley, working in the bindery department. He took tremendous pride in his work, particularly his involvement in producing the first printing of O, The Oprah Magazine, an accomplishment he continued to speak about fondly throughout his life.
Following his retirement from R.R. Donnelley, Roger worked as a delivery driver for CVS, transporting medications to nursing homes throughout Kentucky and parts of Tennessee until 2018.
Outside of work, Roger was an avid dirt track racing enthusiast who loved the excitement of the sport. He also enjoyed sports, good food, and sharing stories from his years in broadcasting. His memories of radio, racing, and the people he encountered throughout his life were never far from conversation.
In July 2018, following quadruple bypass surgery, Roger relocated to North Texas to be near his children and receive additional medical care. Despite numerous health challenges, including a difficult final year undergoing dialysis treatments for kidney failure, Roger continued to enjoy the things that brought him happiness and the company of those he loved.
Roger is survived by his son, Benjamin Mark Simmons and his wife, Mandy Bell; his daughter, Amber Marie Simmons; and his beloved grandson, Declin Mark Simmons; his nephews, Gary Perdue and Freddie Perdue; as well as many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Ray Simmons and Donnie Era Harrison Simmons; his brothers, Douglas Ray Simmons, Harris Wayne Simmons, and Randall Forrest Simmons; his sister, Mable Simmons Perdue; and his brother in-law, Wardean Perdue.
Roger was also a registered organ and tissue donor, a decision that reflected his willingness to give others the possibility of a better future.
A private family gathering will be held to honor Roger’s life.
Roger will be remembered for his distinctive voice, his love of radio and racing, his pride in a lifetime of hard work, and the many stories and memories he leaves behind.
Comments