Kennedy Michael Simmons

Thursday, February 28, 2019

Mr. Kennedy Michael Simmons of Cave Springs departed this life on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, at the age of 70. He was born Sept. 13, 1948 in Newport, the son of Lucian Simmons, Sr. and Lois M. (Hankins) Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was a 1966 graduate of Oil Trough High School. Following high school, he earned a Bachelor of Education degree from Arkansas State Teacher’s College. He continued his education at Arkansas State University, earning both Master’s and Specialist Degrees.

Mr. Simmons was a United States Army veteran, stationed in Germany as Supply Sergeant during the 1970s. Mr. Simmons was an educator, who spent over 38 years in all areas of education in cities all over Northeast Arkansas and Iberia, Mo. Prior to his retirement in 2011, Mr. Simmons had served as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and administrator during his career.

He enjoyed yard work and gardening. Most of all, Mr. Simmons loved going to basketball camps with his sons during their youth. He enjoyed attending Northwest Arkansas Naturals games, and traveling to visit his children and grandchildren.

Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane (Williams) Simmons; one sister, Frances Lewandowski; and his parents.

He is survived by three sons, Adam Simmons and wife, Karey, of Springdale, Seth Simmons and wife, Jenny, of Cave Springs, and Joseph Simmons and wife, Adrienne, of White House, Tenn.; six brothers, Franklin “Bud” Simmons and wife, Irene, of Fairbanks, Alaska, Lucian “Dub” Simmons, Jr. of Oil Trough, Gerald Simmons and wife, Caroline, of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Robert Andy Simmons and wife, Betty, of Salado, Deedry Simmons of Newport, and James Simmons and wife, Janet, of Searcy; two sisters, Millicent “Millie” Lynn of Maumelle and Judy Simmons of Newport; five grandchildren, Carson, Brooklyn, Brilyn, Kennedy, and Kylie; a host of nieces and nephews; and a lifetime of friends.

Friends may visit at the funeral home, Thursday, 5-8 p.m. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Simmons coached many players over his many years in education. He has requested those players be recognized as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Children’s Home, Inc., 5515 Walcott Road, Paragould, AR 72450.

Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.

www.jacksonsfh.com