Antonio J. Simuel

Antonio Jermaine Simuel known to family and friends as Gte RealLyfe passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 36, just shy of his 37th birthday. Though his time with us was far too short, he filled every moment with passion, laughter, and a relentless drive to turn his dreams into reality.

Born on June 24, 1988, in Arlington, Virginia, to Tonya D. Jordan Simuel and Dewayne Bellfield. While in Virginia he was a member of Shiloh COGIC which was his first real exposure to music and a steady beat. Antonio discovered his love for music at an early age. He was musically inclined and gifted. He mastered instruments like the piano, drums, trumpet and violin. Scribbling rhymes in his notebooks and performing for anyone who would listen. He had a gift for transforming his struggles and triumphs into verses that resonated deeply with those around him. Music was more than a hobby for him — it was his purpose, his therapy, and his message to the world.

Friends and family will remember Antonio not only for his lyrical talent but for his warm heart, infectious smile, and unwavering loyalty. He had a way of lifting people up with his words, whether through a freestyle at a block party, nightclubs or a quiet conversation on a front porch. He created his own record label Gte RealLyfe where he expanded his rap platform. He dreamed of one day sharing his story on big stages, and though he didn’t get to finish his journey, his voice and spirit will live on in the memories and hearts of all who loved him.

Antonio loved kids and was the father to many that he took under his wing and loved as his own children. Along with rapping he enjoyed dancing, playing basketball and just cruising around.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Terry Balch, Linda Simuel and Jackie Bellfield.

Antonio is survived by his parents, Tonya D. Jordan Simuel of Jacksonville, AR, Dewayne Bellfield; and Donald Cornish of Se Washington, DC who loved and raised him as his own son; his children, Jaceon Simuel of Arkadelphia, AR, Ari’Yana Simuel and Ashlyn Simuel both of McGhee, AR, and K’mya Simuel and Avantay Simuel both of Chicago, IL; his bonus kids, Garrian Lattimore and Adleigh Butler both of McGhee, AR, Miracle Simuel of Little Rock, AR, Mulaju Peoples, Levi Peoples and Kaylen Toney; his sisters, Shanteya Simuel Terry (Toney) of Jacksonville, AR, Shonice Simuel of Little Rock, AR, Jasmine Simuel of Jacksonville, AR, Danyelle Cornish of Little Rock, AR, Genesis Jordan, Tieshey Jordan and a brother Michael Simuel all of Jacksonville, AR; his nieces and nephews, Dundrio Green, Jr., Aamarie Toney, Ki’Ren Toney and Daekyree Cornish; and his grandmother Alice Faye Balch of Arkadelphia, AR. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and a circle of friends, collaborators, and supporters who believed in his vision and will continue to honor his legacy through music and love.

Rest easy, Gte RealLyfe, your song plays on.

A celebration of Antonio’s life will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Gennesaret Missionary Baptist Church, 1751 Logan Street, Arkadelphia where family and friends are invited to share stories, songs, and the love that he so freely gave to others. Rev. Willard Blackmon, pastor of Love Fellowship in McGhee, Arkansas will officiate. At his request, Antonio will be cremated after the services.

Visitation will be Friday, June 20, 2025, from noon until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends for a family hour from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home.