William D. "Bill" Simmons was called to his heavenly home on January 4, 2023, after a long, joyful, well-lived 91 years on this earth. He was born December 3, 1931 to the late William Thomas and Clara Harrell Simmons in Stuttgart, Arkansas.  He was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by his parents, sister Carolyn Flynt, and brother James "Doc" Simmons.

He is survived by four children: Rusty Simmons (Karol) of Benton, Stephanie Conrad (Lynn) of Castle Rock, Colorado, Allyson Simmons (Shannon Johnson) of Little Rock, and Creighton Simmons of Benton; nine grandchildren:  Rebecca Schellhorn (Mark), Jennifer Zierlein (Steele), Bradley Simmons, Will Simmons, Brynne Simmons, Collin Simmons (Anna Grace), Lola Simmons, Maya Johnson and Cain Simmons; three great-grandchildren:  Wesley, Ruby and Laine Zierlein; brother-in-law Ted Newman, and a host of nieces and nephews.

After graduating high school, Bill attended Ouachita Baptist University where he met the love of his life, Alice Ann (Allyson) Newman.  They were happily married for 61 years before her passing in 2014.

Bill joined the Air Force and served in Germany and Austria before returning stateside to be stationed in St. Louis, Missouri where he developed his life-long love for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team.  Bill went on to attend the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee, graduating in 1962.  After graduation, he moved to Benton and established his optometric practice, where he worked for 44 years.

Bill was actively involved in his community as a member of the Lions Club and an active member of the Arkansas and American Optometric Association.  Bill was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and directed the young adults' Sunday school class for many years.  What Bill, or "Doc" as he was often known in Benton, will be most remembered for is his outgoing, friendly personality.  He was most definitely a people person and always had a kind word and a hug for anyone and everyone he came in contact with.  He was cheerful and optimistic, and made everyone around him a little happier after talking with him.

Bill made friends easily and was blessed with so many.  He enjoyed countless hours of laughter and fellowship with his special group of friends that called themselves "The Anglers", which included Lib Carlisle, Raymond Thomas, George Mooney, John Freeman and Don Brashears.

Bill loved his family and was a great "Pappy" to his kids and grandkids.  He was constantly planning fishing trips, wiffle ball games, crawdad hunts, or an afternoon of watermelon and frisbee throwing, just to get to spend time with his family.

Whether Bill was working, spending time with family and friends, coaching softball, watching his kids or grandkids play ball, hunting, or fishing, he did it with love, kindness, and encouragement.  He was a joy to be around and leaves a great legacy of love and kindness that his family and friends will cherish.  He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First Baptist Church Benton Youth Ministry Program, Saline County Humane Society, Churches Joint Council on Human Needs, or Optometry Giving Sight.

Visitation is Tuesday, January 10 from 6 – 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Selph Hall.  The funeral service is Wednesday, January 11 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church worship center, followed by a graveside service as Rosemont Cemetery in Benton.

Special thanks to the staff at Mt. Carmel Communities in Benton, Fox Ridge Assisted Living in Bryant, and Hospice Home Care Comfort Center in Little Rock.

Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com