Tommie Ray Simmons

Tommie “Booby” Ray Simmons was born June 28, 1955 in Hamburg, Arkansas to the late Reverend Henry Simmons, Jr. and Lola Faye Spencer Simmons. He departed this life on Tuesday, February 5, 2019.

Tommie Ray accepted Jesus Christ at an early age under the leadership of Reverend G. H. Wade of Allen Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Stuttgart, Arkansas. He graduated from Stuttgart High School in 1974. Tommie Ray worked in construction and roofing with Randy Lee, Joe Pullman Roofing & Construction and Larry Atkins. He truly enjoyed working with his hands and helping others. Tommie Ray could drive anything and go anywhere with ‘no license’.

He was kind, nice, and a friendly man. He loved spending time with family and friends. He looked forward to family reunions, the family night gatherings, and Sunday dinners. Tommie Ray loved cooking with ‘no seasoning’, but it was still always good. He liked to ride his bike and always visited family. He loved to talk, laugh, play dominos, and had a pretty smile to go with it.

Tommie Ray rededicated his life to God in 1999. In 2013, he was honored at the JaJ Triumphant Award Banquet. He loved going to church and loved his church family. He remained a faithful member until his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Lola Faye Simmons, two sisters Henrietta Simmons Kibble and Ester Simmons White, and twin brother Lonnie Ray Simmons.  

Tommie Ray leaves to cherish his memories: four sisters Ollie Mae Higgins, Lillie (James) McMillian, Kathy Ann Simmons, and Dodie Simmons; three brothers Johnnie Melvin Simmons, Charles E. Simmons, and Willie B. Simmons; four brothers-in-law Larry Kibble, Sr., James McMillian, Charlie Higgins†, and Alvin White†; four step-children Margaret (Sylvester) Barrow, Tonya (Albert) Betts, Clarence Andre Higgins, and Roderick Higgins; four granddaughters Jazziana Clark, Charity Higgins, Serenity Higgins, and Ashanti Higgins; three grandsons Andre Higgins, Jr., Kaleb Higgins, and Kaden Higgins; a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends; and special friends Vera Mae Terry, Ella McCastle, and James McMillian.

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