Ernest “Ray” Smith was born on April 23, 1954 to the late Josephine Simmons and Ernest Simmons, Jr. in Clarksdale, Mississippi. After leaving Mississippi, Ernest moved to Fort Pierce, FL where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Ernest attended Clarksdale High where he received his education. He loved to go to Jai alai, play poker, and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

On Saturday, July 2, 2022, the death angels called Ernest home. He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Simmons; father, Ernest Simmons, Jr.; sisters, Josephine Simmons and Shirley Simmons; brothers, Steve Simmons and EJ Simmons; daughter, Matida Bradley.

Left to cherish his precious memories are his daughters, LaTonya Simmons-Harris(Johnny), Lawanda O’Neal, Tamekia O’Neal, Katina Sheffield, Kima Byrd, Kimbria Warren, Shaquita Carrasquillo, Maudrice Mills; sons, Ernest Simmons, Marquis Sheffield, Rayvon Simmons, Ernest Navarro, Samuel Bradley, Robert Mills, Ratavious Mills, and Jamie Mills; sisters, Laura Dungan of Indianapolis, Mattie Richardson(Danny) of Ohio, Joann Simmons of Tennessee; brothers, Emil Simmons of Mississippi, Johnny Simmons of Ohio, and Nathaniel Simmons of Tennessee; best friend, Sucker Tom; a long with a host of grandchildren, great grand children, nieces, nephews, other relatives and sorrowing friends.

Public visitation for Ernest Simmons will take place on Friday, July 15, 2022 from 5:00pm-7:00pm at Stone Brothers Funeral Home in Fort Pierce, FL. Funeral services will convene on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Pierce, FL beginning at 11:00am.

Although many venues have opened and the restrictions of COVID-19 have been relaxed, we at Stone Brothers Funeral Homes are still enforcing the guidelines set forth by the CDC and FDOH to protect our families and our staff. We ask that you respect this, as it could very well save your life. We also ask that you acknowledge and execute the 6 feet social distancing guidelines as well.