Allan "Jay" Simmons

Allan "Jay" Simmons, age 60, passed away March 5, 2015 at the Flo and
Phil Jones Hospice House after a long battle with multiple myeloma and
acute myeloid leukemia.

He was born on November 20, 1954, in Jonesboro to the late Beatrice
Trice Simmons and J.B. Simmons. In addition to his parents he was
preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Sam and Ann Trice, and
his paternal grandparents, Grace and Walter Simmons.

Jay retired from AT&T, formerly Southwestern Bell, in August of 2006
after 32 years of employment.

Jay was an active member of First United Methodist Church and served
on many leadership committees. He also was an active member of the
NEAR the Cross Walk to Emmaus community after attending his pilgrim
walk in the Spring of 2007, when his spiritual life was awakened on a
much deeper level than before. He loved sharing the Good News and
letting everyone know about his Savior and all the grace he had been
given in his life.

Anyone who knew Jay knows that he enjoyed life to the fullest. He was
the life of the party in his younger years and brought joy to everyone
who knew him through his last days on this earth. He loved flying
airplanes - real or remote control, fishing, hunting, and traveling.
Some of his greatest memories were at Lake Norfork with family and
friends, whether it be camping, cooking out, or trying to waterski or
barefoot longer and faster than everyone else. He treasured the
memories of teaching many people to ski, especially showing Jon and
his friends how to barefoot waterski. According to Jay, there could
never be too many people in his boat. Jay felt his greatest
accomplishments were his successful marriage, his two children and his
two grandchildren. He loved being "dad" and "poppy". He was never
too busy for Jon and Stacey, but when it came to his two grandsons,
Cade and Cole, time would literally stop until he completed what they
asked of him. The task was never too big for him if his grandson's
wanted it done.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Cathy Frego Simmons, of the
home; his son Dr. Jonathan Frego and daughter-in-law Kristin; his
daughter Stacey Simmons George and son-in-law Chris; two grandsons
Cade George and Cole George; and sister Kathy Simmons Tilson - all of
Jonesboro. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law Fred Frego and
Tim (Donna) Frego; sister-in-law Cindy (Tom) Chester; nieces and nephews
Wendie (Keith) Castelman, Madison (Ben) Gramling, Tifinie (Mark)
Welling, Britinie (Brian) Blankenship, Haleigh (Codie) Rollins,
Brandon (Carlee) Chester and Chris (Hannah) Chester; and many aunts,
uncles and cousins.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 8, at Emerson Funeral home from 3-5.
The family would like to invite all family and friends to a life
celebration service Monday, March 9, at 11 am at First United
Methodist Church, downtown Jonesboro, with Reverend John Miles II and
Reverend Patty Soward officiating. Burial will be at Jonesboro
Memorial Park under the direction of Emerson Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will include David Belk, Mark Belk, Marvin Day,
Shane Faulkner, Chris James, and Jim Markley.

Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Gray, Dr. John Shannon, Dr. Christopher
Bryant, Dr. Barthel Barlogie, UAMS MIRT Staff, Emily Skinner, Frances
Vanlandingham, his Christian Followers Sunday school class, and his
fellow NEAR the Cross Community members.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be sent to First
United Methodist Church (alter memorial for Jay Simmons) to 801 South
Main Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401.