Edgar Earl "Pete" Simmons

Mr. Edgar Earl "Pete" Simmons, 82, of Jonesboro, AR, passed from this life on Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Funeral services will be held at noon Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at McBride Funeral Home, Ripley, MS, with Carroll Roberson officiating. Visitation with family will precede the service from 10 a.m. -noon. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Bryan E. and Falba Moss Simmons; brothers, Billy Simmons, James Simmons, Kenny Simmons and Bob Simmons and sisters, Falba Thelma Estes and Lydia Mae Simmons. Survivors include the love of his life of 53 years, Marion Elizabeth "Nancy" Hamby and her sons, Jeff Hamby, of Ripley, MS and Gregg Hamby (Debbie), of Madison, MS and their children, Ashley and Trace Hamby who adored their Pawpaw Pete. Other survivors include a host of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Pete was a native of Tippah County, MS and a graduate of Shady Grove High School. He attended Mississippi State University. The youngest of seven children, Pete was of gracious and generous spirit and his wisdom was valued by all who knew him. He was a well-respected businessman in Weiner and Jonesboro, for 55 years. He was owner of Simmons & Belk, Inc. until 1990, when he sold his company and remained a valued consultant with Valley View Agri until 2018. He loved and valued his employees through the years and his co-workers in more recent years. He was well known in his community for his business acumen as well as his philanthropic efforts, particularly on behalf of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He loved his family, both immediate and extended, always making time for all. A die-hard Ole Miss Rebel fan, he loved all spectator and recreational sports, especially tennis, racquetball and weight lifting. Pete was a steadfast servant of Christ, whose greatest passion was reading and studying the word of God. His thoroughly worn Bible was always within his reach. He loved the life he lived with his beloved Nancy, and together, as a couple, they bettered each other and greatly impacted the lives of everyone around them through friendship and service. Pete will be greatly missed by his family and friends but we are comforted and trust in God's promise of John 8:51, "Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death." Pallbearers will be Charles Berry, Karl Bullock, Trace Hamby, Don Montgomery, Craig Rickman and Stacy Simmons. Honorary bearers will be Joe Estes, Bobby Estes, Bryan Estes, John Estes and Jerry Pugh. Donations in memory of Pete may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at stjude.org/

Edgar Earl "Pete" Simmons

July 20, 1936 - February 5, 2019