Toby Ray Simmons

Toby Ray Simmons, of Pine Bluff, beloved family man of God, died on September 25, 2024. He was born on September 13, 1945, in North Little Rock, the son of William Foster Simmons and Pauline Elizabeth Hollenberger Simmons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother Jerry; brother Bill and his wife Jane; brother-in-law Wilbur Jacks; four sisters-in-law, Jewel McCoskey, Lula Mae McBryde, Hazel Rodgers and her husband Bobby Rodgers, Zelma Rita Stuckey and her husband Lester Stuckey.
Toby is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn; two sons, Jerry Simmons of Pine Bluff, and Phil Simmons of Little Rock and his wife Lindsey; three grandchildren, Chandler Simmons and Reagan Simmons, both of Woodlawn, and Sawyer Simmons of Litte Rock; and one great-grandchild, Harper aka "Cupcake." Other survivors include brothers-in-law Bennie Jacks and his wife Margaret of Pine Bluff, Donnie McCoskey and his wife Carolyn of Monticello, Mississippi; two sisters-in-law Mary Parker and her husband Bobby, and Patsy Jacks of Pine Bluff; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
After a short stint in the Army at Fort Chaffee and Fort Polk, Toby worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad. He took great pride in hard work and served as local chairman for a railroad union. A generation of young men, including his sons, were taught baseball, basketball and life lessons by "Coach Simmons," a few teams going to AAU championships.
Toby enjoyed fishing, woodworking and rooting for the Razorbacks. He was a blessing to many and active at his church. His commitment to God was closely followed by his devotion to his family. His grandchildren believe he would have given them the moon if asked, acknowledging that he was present for every moment, big and small. Carolyn remains the love of his life and he often put her needs above his own.
A funeral service will be held at New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Star City on Monday, Sept. 30 at 11 am, officiated by Pastor Joseph Pemberton. Memorials may be made to New Home Cemetery Fund, c/o Randy Blasingame, 6080 State Hwy 54, Star City, AR 71667. Arrangements made by Roselawn Funeral Service and Crematory. Online obituary at www.griffinfuneralservice.net