James Ray Simmons

James Ray "Buddy" Simmons, Sr., age 70, of the New Home Community near Pine Bluff, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 26, 2014. He was born March 4, 1944 in Brickey, Arkansas, son of the late Wiley Simmons and Addie Mae Heritage Simmons. He was a retired truck driver. Mr. Simmons was an avid outdoorsman, gardener, and loved spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Julius Edward Simmons and two sisters; Alice Marie Simmons and Ella Mae Bullock. Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sheila J. Cantwell Simmons of New Home Community, whom he married on May 18, 1972; son, James Ray Simmons, Jr. and wife Misty of New Home Community, daughter; Christi Collins and husband Francis Collins, Jr. of Rison, Arkansas; five brothers, David Williams of Hugo, Oklahoma, Frank Simmons of Hot Springs, Arkansas, David Leo Simmons of Clarksville, Arkansas, William Emmitt Simmons of Bigelow, Arkansas and Rickey Lee Simmons of Humphrey, Arkansas; two sisters, Peggy Wells of Hugo, Oklahoma, Elizabeth King of Pine Bluff, Arkansas and seven grandchildren, Stormie, Ariel, Destinee, Kenlee, Jaimie, Maeley, and Coltan. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 28, 2014 at the Buie Funeral Home Chapel in Rison with Brother Charles Cantwell and Brother Emmitt Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Cypress Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 27, 2014 at Buie Funeral Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. Online condolences at www.buiefuneralhome.com.