Michael “Mike” Ray Simmons, 64, of Jonesboro, Arkansas, passed away on April 5, 2026, at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center.

Mike was born on February 22, 1962, in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He was raised in a loving home by his parents, Betty and Fred Simmons. He graduated from Jonesboro High School with the Class of 1980.

Mike was a skilled and highly respected bricklayer for many years. For the past nine years, he was devoted to his work in the Maintenance Department at Westside Schools, where he was honored as Employee of the Year. He cared deeply about the school, its staff, and students—especially the cafeteria staff, as he had a love for cooking and always appreciated a good meal.

Mike will be remembered as a hardworking man with a strong work ethic and an even stronger faith, which was the cornerstone of his life. He faithfully taught Sunday school at Walnut Street Baptist Church and never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel and the love of Jesus with others.

He was actively involved in the Jonesboro Jaycees for many years, where he especially enjoyed the annual Halloween Haunted House fundraiser. Mike played a vital role in designing, building, and bringing the haunted house to life. His love for creating memorable experiences began in his youth, when he built haunted houses in his parents’ garage and basement for the neighborhood to enjoy.

An avid outdoorsman, Mike loved deer hunting and passed that passion on to his granddaughter, Bailey, his great-nephew Denton, and many others. He also loved golf and cherished the family golf tournament started by his father—a tradition that continues through his son and grandsons. When given a limited time to live, Mike’s goals were simple: to play one more round in the family tournament, hunt one more season, and witness the birth of his great-granddaughter. By God’s grace, he was able to do all three.

Mike was also a dedicated softball coach for many years, supporting his daughter and mentoring young athletes throughout Northeast Arkansas. He taught not only the game, but also life lessons that extended far beyond the field.

Though known for being stubborn and strong-willed, Mike was also gentle, kind, and deeply loving—especially to his granddaughter, Bailey Grace, and great-granddaughter, Paisley Rae.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Betty and Fred Simmons, and his brother, Bill Simmons.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Garner (Shannon); granddaughter, Bailey Grace Garner (Jason); great-granddaughter, Paisley Rae; son, Ronnie Ragsdale (Brandy); grandsons, Cain and Calen Ragsdale; twin sister, Monica Formon (Kent); sisters, Jan Terrell and Lee Ann Clem (James); brother, Steve Decker Simmons (Kim); aunt Sally Reynolds (Jimmy) ;longtime childhood friend, Richard Blair; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Pallbearers include Cain Ragsdale, Calen Ragsdale, Denton Blair, James Garner, Levi Bonham, Keith Smith, Ken Wyatt, and Scott Spencer. Honorary pallbearers include Richard Blair, James Clem, Dale Hall, Jonathan Terrell, Jeremy Terrell, Kent Brady, and Phillip Byrd.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel, with Paul Clark officiating. Burial will follow at Strawfloor Cemetery.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Mike’s niece, Bethany Formon, for the loving care she provided during his illness, especially in the final four weeks of his life. They also wish to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Bernard’s Medical Center for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Westside High School in memory of Mike or to a charity of your choice.