Larry Simmons, M.D., 75, of Little Rock, passed away and went to Heaven on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was born on September 10, 1950, in McComb, Mississippi to Alva Percy and Hazel Rawls Simmons.

After graduating from South Pike High School, Larry attended Mississippi College and, soon after, the University of Mississippi Medical School. While at Mississippi College, he met his wife of 52 years, Cheryl Lilly Simmons.

He was a beloved pediatrician who received training at Arkansas Children's Hospital and the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Following his 13-year tenure at a private practice in Jackson, Mississippi, Larry and his family relocated to Arkansas to join the Arkansas Children's Hospital, where he was currently employed.

Larry focused on improving the lives of children with asthma and serving as a teacher and mentor to his colleagues at the General Pediatric Asthma Clinic, who affectionately referred to him as the "Asthma Guru". He also served as Director of the Kids Care 24/7 triage line, ensuring families always had access to guidance and comfort.

Larry grew up in Osyka, Mississippi, where he enjoyed spending time on his father's small farm, developing a deep love of nature and of caring for creatures great and small. This passion translated into his decades-long career dedicated to serving children as a trusted pediatrician and Camp Doctor at Strong River Camp and Farm. There, he cared for campers and passed along his love of the great outdoors on early-morning hikes and peaceful wanders through the blueberry bushes.

At home in Little Rock, Larry loved birdwatching and gardening, often filling bird feeders and watering his plants, with a particular fondness for the many generations of his grandmother's amaryllises. He also faithfully led his Sunday School Class at Highland Valley United Methodist Church.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Lauren Elizabeth Simmons, stepmother Lillian Simmons, and stepbrother Tommy Johnson. Surviving family members include his wife, Cheryl Lilly Simmons; his son, William Daniel Simmons; his daughter, Kathryn Simmons Usry; and his two grandsons, Corby Lee Usry IV "Cade" and Tate Kennedy Usry. Additionally, his sister-in-law, Anita Lilly, brother-in-law, Tom Lilly, sister-in-law, Jeanine Lilly; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Highland Valley United Methodist Church, 15524 Chenal Parkway, LR, AR 72211. Memorials may also be sent to Arkansas Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, AR 72203, or by visiting archildrens.org/donate. Please include a note that your donation is in honor of Dr. Larry Simmons so that his legacy may be remembered.

Funeral for Dr. Simmons will be held at 1:00pm, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Highland Valley United Methodist Church with the Reverend Mark Norman officiating.  A visitation and reception will follow in the church gym.

A second visitation will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Osyka Baptist Church, 113 Pike St., Osyka, MS 39657 until services at 3 PM, with burial following in the Osyka Cemetery under the direction of Hartman Jones Funeral Home in McComb, Mississippi.

Local arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.  Please share your memories and condolences for Dr. Simmon's family at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.