Billy Glisson Simmons

Billy "Bill" Glisson Simmons was born December 28, 1930, in Kenton, Tenn. to the late George Brown Simmons and Velma Mae Glisson. He was a long-time member of the Christian Church, had a great faith in God and Jesus as his Savior. He departed this life on Monday, March 12, 2018. He attended elementary schools in Kenton and Rutherford, Tenn., before moving to Caruthersville, Missouri, graduating from high school there in 1949. He was an outstanding basketball player, receiving a basketball scholarship to Southeast Missouri College in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. In January 1951, Bill joined the Army Airborne. He was one of 3,000 paratroopers in a mass jump from San Angelo, Texas of the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team, also called The Red Devils. He was a loving father and husband, enjoyed life, loved people, liked to joke and laugh. He loved all sports, loved to play golf and have fun at the same time. He worked for Ark-Mo Power, AP&L and what is now Entergy. Retiring after 38 years, he was a Construction Superintendent in Arkansas and Missouri. When Hurricane Hugo struck South Carolina in September 1989, he, with Entergy crews, were dispatched to Charleston to help restore power. He was a committed Lifeblood donor, donating six gallons of blood. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, son, Brad Simmons, daughter, Gina (Larry) Pisher, grandson, Lawson Pisher, sister, Marceline (Billy) McClendon, best friend and brother-in-law, G.W. Fox and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Martha Correll. Memorials may be sent to the First Christian Church, P.O. Box 251, Blytheville, Arkansas 72315 or charity of your choice. A family celebration of Bill's life will follow, officiated by Dr. Keith Hearnsberger. Online condolences may be left by visiting www.arkansascremation.com.