Tommy Lane SIMMONS

June 23, 1954 - January 17, 2020

Funeral services for Tommy Simmons, age 65, of Dubach, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at Mineral Springs Baptist Church in Dubach with Rev. Greg Tipton officiating . Burial will follow in Mineral Springs Cemetery under direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, January 20, 2020 at Owens Memorial Chapel in Ruston.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mineral Springs Baptist Church Family Life Center.

Tommy Lane Simmons, son of J.B. and Dorothy Simmons, was a force that entered the world on June 23, 1954 in El Dorado, Arkansas. At the age of 7, Tommy’s family relocated to Ruston, Louisiana or better yet “Pea Ridge” where he would later create a purposeful life that few people are fortunate enough to live.

If you captured Tommy Simmons in one word, it would be passionate. Every thought, feeling, hobby, job, or relationship was entered into with nothing less. Anyone who knew Tommy can relate when the phrase, “That Tommy Simmons temper” is used. His niece, Jennifer said it best…, “We get mad hard, we laugh hard, we feel hard, we cry hard, but most importantly, we love hard.” This is the very definition of Tommy Simmons.

He carried that intense, passionate nature into every aspect of his life – his family, his hobbies, and his work, and his walk with the Lord.

Tommy met his wife, Terri McDaniel or better known as “Terri Mac” in 1980 while playing co-ed softball. He was impressed by her beauty but more impressed by her skills on the ball field. They married April 16th, 1982 and boy, did he really hit the jackpot. What an incredible woman, Terri Simmons is…..she has to be to have put up with Tommy for the last 38 years. Needless to say, she is a strong patient woman, emphasis on the “patient” part. We all know “ole Tom Cat” was a handful.

They were blessed with four wonderful children & also four wonderful grandchildren…so far. They will soon welcome a new daughter-in-law into the family and we all have faith that Katherine will not give up on Daniel.

Now back to Tommy…from a young age, Tommy was a strong competitor. He was going to be the best at whatever he did. It did not matter if it was playing ball, bronc bareback riding, racing 4-wheelers or dirt bikes, hunting and fishing, archery, or playing golf. He was going to give it his all. He also had an obsession for stylish rides. He changed cars like he changed his underwear….he had several. Tommy didn’t just “have” a vehicle. Tommy had to put his own spin on things…detailed paint jobs, custom interiors, souped up transmissions, and ALWAYS with pin stripes! To quote Tommy himself, “It is tight as a tick!” Even in his last month of life, Tommy was making plans to trick-out his Toyota car that due to his illness he rarely got to drive. Can’t yall just see Terri, driving that sporty white car with red cat scratch decals on the headlights & racing stripes down the side.

Tommy’s “style” is a favorite memory of his family’s. Those white tube socks that came up to his knees, and his Converse sneakers, but who could forget that shiny, bald head with a perfectly gelled rat tail? All uniquely Tom Cat.

Throughout his life Tommy had several careers. Being a perfectionist, Tommy gave 110% to each of these jobs. He worked for Bell South Telephone Company taking an early retirement after 25 years. Then went on to work as a carpenter for Smitherman Construction, once a truck driver, and later sold cars for Ronnie Ward Toyota. He was honest but had a way of talking anyone into anything, a skill that greatly aided him when selling cars.

But what he is most greatly known for is his position as the “Bowman” for Mckinney Honda. For the past 20 + years, Tommy has been with McKinney’s. What a legacy he leaves behind there. His reputation as being the best in the business is known throughout the bow hunting community. He was proud of this title. His job was one of his passions and he took pride in his work. If he laid a hand on it, you could bet it was done right. He loved his work family dearly. What a void will be left there that cannot easily be filled.

Being part of the Martin family meant he and his siblings were all musically gifted. But it wasn’t until later in life when his best friend, Ken Hart, encouraged Tommy to use his musical talents to serve God. Tommy’s love of music and passion for the Lord led him to work as the music director for several area churches such as New Hope Baptist, Mineral Springs Baptist and Culbertson Baptist church. Rock Corner Baptist Church, home of the Back 40 Band, held a special place in Tommy’s heart as well. Many lifelong friends that became more like family began there. During his time as music director at Culbertson, Tommy formed a Christian band at the church. He felt a calling to take his favorite songs, change some of the lyrics, and use it to deliver God’s word. Though he had a beautiful singing voice that drew a congregation in like no other, Tommy was mainly focused on the message. He was quick to remind listeners to, “Listen to the words of the song.”

Tommy knew when his time came, when his battle was finished and he claimed his Victory, it would be his family that would still hurt. He assured each of them that his journey would lead him Home. He knew exactly where he was going without a shadow of a doubt. What evidence we see here. He lived his life as a witness for the Lord. I think we can all say collectively that no one doubts where Tommy is today. He is walking the streets of gold & leading the angels’ choir. Can’t you just hear that strong tenor voice! That voice that was once took from him while here on earth is now restored to him in heaven. Praise God for his mercy & sweet grace.

Tommy always had a special way of leaving. When he was ready to go, he would just point his finger and say, “aight then”. So today we say “aight then, Tom” … Well done, Good and Faithful Servant.

Tommy was preceded in death by his father, J.B. Simmons. He leaves behind his mother, Dorothy Simmons & a devoted wife, Terri Simmons. Children Jamie and husband Callen Owens. Lacey and husband Jasen Cooper. Joseph Simmons and fiancé Shelby Billberry. Daniel Simmons and Katherine Upshaw. Grandchildren Tobey, Scarlett and Inman Cooper and Levi Owens. Brothers, Kent Simmons and wife Judy and Scott Simmons and wife Debbie. He had numerous nieces and nephews that he adored as well as many Aunt's, Uncle's and cousins that will deeply miss him.

Contributed on 9/25/21 by debbraszymanski
Email This Contributor

Suggest a Correction

Record #: 335172

Don't Follow