Roy Jackson Simmons Sr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our Dad, Roy Jackson Simmons, Sr., who left us on October 16, 2024 at the age of 83. Within his home, his final moments shared with family and beloved dog, “Petey”.

He was born on August 24, 1941 to Willie (“Bill”) and Pauline (Christian) Simmons in Saffell, AR. He was one of eight children.

Born into a farmer family, education was obtained outside of a schoolhouse. He began working in the fields and helping to support his family early in life. The value of hard work and the satisfaction of a good days work ingrained within him prior to growing facial hair.

In December of 1963 he married Gladys Mae Williams. A family began soon after. The early years of their marriage was spent in small towns in Northeast Arkansas. Eventually, Saline County became their home. His devotion and love for Gladys was exhibited until her untimely passing in 1984 from Ovarian Cancer.

His expedition thru life as a single Dad began. With no college degree, formal education, or even a high school diploma it was difficult to support his young family. He was a laborer. He had various jobs: repaired/replaced wheels on shoppings carts, painted stripes on parking lots, and other odd jobs. Lastly, he found Dougan Asphalt where he gave over 47 years of dedicated service until his full retirement in 2018.

Our childhood years were spent in a small community with neighbors eager to lend a helping hand in exchange for fresh homegrown vegetables. Dad was known and respected by the neighborhood kids. He was the one who helped repair bicycles, go-carts, mowers, and even a few cars. Dad held an open-door to our friends and tolerated us trampling his grass for neighborhood baseball games.

In September of 1986 he married Leona Mae Rogers. Her devout love for Christ and our Dad would eventually combine. His love and commitment to Leona was evident until her passing in April of 2017.

On August 7, 1988, Dad accepted Christ as his Savior. He and Leona were loving members of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Bauxite.

Dad was an avid hunter, fisher, and gardener. He enjoyed the solitude of the woods and the peace of a sunrise/sunset. He found happiness in the joy of sharing delicious vegetables grown in his garden. Dad would collect unwanted metals, appliances, etc. from everywhere to sell as scrap metal to earn money to provide for his family. We learned from an early age the value of hard work.

Dad’s greatest accomplishments was his children: Pauline “Sissy” Simmons, Roy “Bubby” (Tammy) Simmons, Jr., Patrick (Amanda) Simmons, and Christina (Toby) Buchanan. He loved and treasured his grandchildren: “PJ” Simmons, John Simmons, Sr., Joshua Simmons, Araina Simmons, Jesana Simmons, Cameron Light, Carmon Jacci Light, and Carson “Bellar” Light. He adored his great-grandchildren: Lucas Simmons, John Simmons, Jr., and Amelia Webb. He will be missed by his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

He will join his parents, brother (Billy), sister (Mildred), and wives (Gladys and Leona) to spend eternity in the presence of our Lord.

A heartfelt thanks to Taylor (CNA), the nurses, and staff of Elite Hospice of Bryant.

The family welcomes donations to Hospice Promise Foundation / Elite Hospice as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.

Pallbearers: “PJ” Simmons, John Simmons, Sr., Carmon Jacci Light, Joshua Simmons, Chris Smith, and Mason “Fruit Jar” Webb. Honorary pallbearers: Cameron Light, Lucas Simmons, and John Simmons, Jr.

A visitation will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Pinecrest Funeral Home. A funeral will be on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Pinecrest Funeral Home with interment to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.