Ray Don Simons passed away on September 16, 2026. No services are scheduled at this time.

Ray, lovingly known by many as “Tooter Bill,” was born on March 3, 1956, in Gatesville, Texas. He grew up in Hay Valley and attended school in Gatesville, graduating in 1974. Tooter Bill found happiness in the simple things in life—the river, the outdoors, a good day of hunting, and an ice-cold Dr. Pepper. Some of Tooter Bills favorite days were spent on the river fishing for yellow catfish. Whether the fish were biting or not, being on the water was where he loved to be. When he wasn’t fishing, you could often find him hunting pigs or deer or walking the land searching for arrowheads and enjoying the outdoors. Tooter Bill spent many years working in the construction field building houses.

Tooter Bill was preceded in death by his father, James Larry Simons.

He is survived by his mother, Barbara Simons; children, Natalie Simons, Cole Simons, and Brittaney Snoddy and husband, Logan; grandchildren, Elizabeth Pruitt, Ethan Reed, Bo Snoddy and Bear Snoddy; great grandchild, Camdin; sisters, Janice Simons, Debbie Simons, and Sherry Alexander; nephews, Chad Blanchard, Garrett Gonzales, and Brandon Hitt; and niece, Jessica Gonzales.

Flowers or memorials may be sent to Jonesboro High School in Tooter Bill’s honor. Jonesboro I.S.D. 14909 HWY 36, Jonesboro, Texas 76538.