Eric Dean Simmons, age 53, of Valley Springs, Arkansas, passed away Saturday, April 29, 2023 in Branson, Missouri.

The son of Billy Wayne and Betty Laquitta (Jester) Simmons was born in Harrison on September 16, 1969. He was a lifelong resident of Valley Springs and a member of Pyatt Baptist Church.

Eric was a 1988 graduate of Valley Springs High School. In 1993, he received his bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. He worked at Tyson Foods as a shop manager, working there the past 24 years.

Eric was an avid fisherman, and a member of Valley Springs Bassmasters. He also enjoyed hunting and golfing. He treasured spending time with his family and grandkids. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather, full of unconditional love. He was very proud of his kids and grandkids. Eric was a hard worker, and a good person, who would do anything for anyone. He was a big teddy bear, with a heart of gold, who was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy Simmons; maternal grandparents, Cloy and Viva (Smith) Jester; paternal grandparents, Curt and Bertha (Meek) Simmons; sister-in-law, Annette Simmons; cousins, Benny and Steven Martin; father and mother-in-law, CL and Carolyn Sue Patton; sister-in-law, Angela Martin; and brother-in-law, Scott Setzer.

Eric is survived by his wife of 27 years, Amy Simmons; his mother, Laquitta Simmons; his children, Brooklyn Kimbrell and husband Jordan and Billy Simmons; grandchildren, Klaylen, Jaxon, and Emma Kimbrell; his siblings, Kevin Simmons and Diana Simmons; an aunt, Joyce Martin; nieces and nephews, Skylar, Matt, Katy, and Hannah; sisters-in-law, Toy Setzer and Joy Copeland (Steve) and several great nieces, great nephews, extended relatives and many dear friends.

Funeral service will be at 10 AM, Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at Coffman Funeral Home in Harrison with Pastor Eldon Hellums officiating. Burial will follow at Patton Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 PM to 7 PM at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Kevin McFarlan, Michael Carlton, Robert Huber, Billy Simmons, Curtis Lane, and Jordan Kimbrell.

Honorary pallbearers are his Tyson Foods Co-Workers and Team Members and his many close family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Arkansas Children's Hospital or Patton Cemetery Fund, c/o Jesse Rose, 4104 MC 4010, Everton, AR, 72633.

On-line condolences can be left at www.coffmanfh.com .