C. Douglas Simmons

The Rev. Dr. C. Douglas Simmons of Fayetteville, Arkansas died on the 26th of September while at Hospice House. He suffered from dementia in recent years and succumbed to pneumonia at age 78. Doug was a gifted teacher, preacher, an avid reader, a lover of movies, and a hurdler while in high school and college. He possessed a great sense of humor and was a wonderful story and joke teller. He was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on September 21, 1937 to Carl and Dortha Simmons. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a BS, went into the army as a first lieutenant, and then on to Virginia Seminary, where he earned his Masters of Divinity in 1965 and his Doctorate of Ministry in 1984. He served several churches during his 50 years of ministry. He began in Lake Orion, Michigan, then moved on to Mexico City, Mexico; Edina, Minnesota; Kansas City, Missouri; Asheville, North Carolina; Silver Spring, Maryland and Fayetteville, Arkansas. Upon his retirement from St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Fayetteville, he wrote The Joshua Chronicles. A historical fiction exploring the early years of Christ's life. Every Christmas Doug wrote a poem instead of sending cards. Many have spoken of the wonderful message and how they have kept the poems and reread them each year. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Dortha Simmons, and grand daughter Madison Simmons. Doug is survived by Nina, his wife of 58 years; sons, Paul and his wife Michelle of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Michael and his wife Rene of Little Rock, Arkansas; his sister, Mary Ann Shafer and her husband, Bill of Belleville, Michigan; and grandchildren, Dillon, Zoe, Sam and Keira, all of Little Rock. Cremation was entrusted to Nelsen-Berna of Fayetteville. A memorial service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Friday, November 6th at 11 a.m. A reception will follow with interment at the National Cemetery at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Doug had requested any contributions be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church with the memo Community Meals (which serves the homeless community of Fayetteville) or the National Heart Association.