Cover photo for James L. Simmons's Obituary
James L. Simmons Profile Photo
1946 James 2022

James L. Simmons

August 6, 1946 — July 17, 2022

James Leon "Bud" Simmons finished his earthly journey on July 17, 2022. He passed away just as he prayed he would, at his home in Vilonia, Arkansas, surrounded by his family. God, being the merciful Father He is, saw fit to honor his son's prayers for a quick and peaceful transition from this life to the next. With his family at his side, he peacefully drew his last breaths calmly and slowly. The lung disease that plagued so much of his final years was unable to steal from him a gentle and serene transition into the arms of his savior. Family members were able to encourage him, cheer him on, and rejoice as he ran into the open arms of Jesus! 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 says it best, "Death is swallowed up in victory." "Oh death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?"

Bud was preceded in death by his parents, James Willie and Maymie Sue Simmons, two sisters, Wanda Delorisa Lewis and Virginia Ann Cole, and one brother, John William Simmons.

He temporarily leaves behind his beautiful brinde of 54 years, Edith Simmons of Vilonia, Arkansas; two daughters, Eydie Simmons (Heath) of Vilonia, Arkansas; Lisa Simmons of Heber Springs, Arkansas; two sons, Ronnie Simmons (Kimberly) and Mike Simmons (Janet) of Vilonia, Arkansas; one sister, Billie Collins of Vilonia, Arkansas; Harvey Simmons (Dale). He was Papa to seven adoring grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Those who called him "friend" are too numerous to count!

For those of us left behind, life will be much different. His quick wit, frequent "I love you's" and his willingness to do anything possible to help out anyone in need were trademarks of Bud Simmons. He was small in stature, but one of the biggest and strongest men we knew. He never walked away from a difficult task and readily took on every challenge that came before him.

The family has planned a memorial service to celebrate his life at 10:00 AM, Friday, July 22, 2022 in the Friendship Baptist Church Family Life Center, 767 Rocky Point Road, Conway, Arkansas 72032. Family and friends are invited to this informal time of fellowship -- no ties allowed!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Vilonia Branch of the Faulkner County Library. Bud was an avid reader and he would love to know that this love was being shared with many others.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Vilonia Funeral Home. Sign the online guestbook at www.viloniafuneralhome.com
Please Note: Vilonia Funeral Home is not affiliated with, nor do we endorse any online flower company. Because of past delivery issues, we do not advise ordering flowers online. You should contact one of our local florists directly. If you need help with this, please give us a call.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James L. Simmons, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Funeral Service

Friday, July 22, 2022

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

Friendship Baptist Church

767 Rocky Point Rd,, CONWAY, AR 72173

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Guestbook

Visits: 187

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Send Flowers

Send Flowers

Plant A Tree

Plant A Tree