He was born on March 9, 1933 in Salem, Ohio, only son of the late Clifford L. and Hazel V. (Mounts) Zimmerman. He graduated from Salem High School in 1951 and Baldwin Wallace College in 1955, with a degree in business.

After graduation, his professional career began when joining the family business, Zimmerman Auto Sales, Inc. After a successful start as a salesman, he moved into the role of president upon his father's retirement in 1967. Bob's father, Cliff, began the dealership in 1937 with Oldsmobile, then added Renault; and like his father, Bob expanded to eventually include the following: Buick, Pontiac and GMC Truck. His loyalty, dedication and professionalism to both customers and employees became a hallmark of his character. The dealership was sold in 1989 when Bob retired.

Bob's special interests and hobbies included a lifetime of service and membership at the First Christian Church of Salem. Much of Bob's time was devoted to local chapters of the Jaycee's, Lion's Club, Chamber of Commerce, Elk's and serving on the AAA Board of Directors. Bob's love of people and life was widespread and included the following: domestic and international travel for both family and business; annual family fishing trips to Crow Bay, Canada; and, beach vacations in Ocean City, Maryland. He was a lifelong member with a cottage at Sevakeen Country Club.

His family fondly remembers him as being humble, encouraging, cheerful, positive and generous. He will be missed dearly.

Music was an integral part of Bob's life. He sang barbershop quartet harmony from high school throughout his life. He played double bell euphonium in SHS Band, American Legion and Baldwin Wallace Bands. He played piano and composed a love song to win Ann's heart. He sang in church choir and Salem Jubilee Chorus. Most recently he entertained staff and residents at his assisted living facility by often bursting into song.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Grace (Raymaley) Kornbau Zimmerman, whom he married on August 13, 2004; his children Debra Kay (Darryl) Miller of Salem, Mark Stowe Zimmerman of Arlington, VA; his step-children Anita (Scott) Williams of Sebring, Amy (Jerry) Zimmerman and A.J (Michele) Kornbau of Salem; his grandchildren Matthew Miller of Cleveland and Michael Miller of Salem; his step-grandchildren Lance (Stephanie) Williams of Wormleysburg, PA; Lorrie (Eric) Naylor of Sherrodsville; Collin and Logan Zimmerman of Salem; and, Tommy, Regina and Lilly Kornbau of Salem; and six step-great-grandchildren; nephew Rick (Melody) Mercer of Winona, and cousin Mary Jane (Dennis) Weaver of Salem.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, E. Ann (Stowe) Zimmerman, whom he married July 10, 1955, who died February 17, 2002; his sister, Joanne (Zimmerman) Mercer of Winona and two infant siblings.

Contributions in Bob's honor may be made to the First Christian Church Memorial Fund, 1151 E. Sixth St., Salem, OH 44460 or Salem High School Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, 330 E. State St., Salem, OH 44460.