Eric Otis Simmons - Not Far From the Tree

Not Far From The Tree

__________________

Eric Otis Simmons

Also by Eric Otis Simmons

Getting Your Book Into Libraries, "#HTSP How to Self-Publish," and ESETOMES Box Set.

The people and events in Not Far From The Tree, are based on my life experiences and are intended only to tell my story.

Not Far From The Tree

Copyright 2017 by Eric Simmons Enterprises, Inc.

This book is also available in print under ISBN 9780692953303 and others.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from the author.

Dedication

In Loving Memory of Jean Wiletta Simmons

T o my Mother, who was the sweetest, brightest and most caring person Ive ever known. God put my Mom, one of his Angels, on this earth to care for, love, and nurture others. None benefited more from her love than I, who was touched daily by her bright light. I am comforted in the knowledge she is with God and in a place where she always wanted to be, and he is saying to her, Servant of Mine, Well Done!

And

To young black men and women who like me were/are raised by a single Mom. Keep your head up, eyes to the sky, believe in yourself, and to hell with people like George Karl who suggest not having a black Father around is a detriment!

Acknowledgments

T o my beautiful wife , Cynthia. Thank you for being by my side these past 37 years. Without question, aside from my Mom, you are the most genuine person Ive ever met. There's nothing fake or pretentious about you. I love and admire you for being "wired" that way. Thank you for being a great mother, a devoted Christian, and for being level headed and a calming influence for the kids and me. If more people on this earth walked life's path the way you do, the world would be a better place.

To my young adults, Derek, Dominique, and Kevin. Thank you for being obedient children (#Most of The Time) and for striving and dreaming of doing great things with your lives.

To those Relatives, Coaches, Teachers, Friends and Business Leaders who inspired and motivated me through example. Thanks for showing me, What Good Looks Like.

Preface

W hen I started writing my Memoir, my aim was to provide a Leave Behind, so to speak, for my young adults about their family history and reveal more about myself and my lifes work to them. God moves in mysterious ways, though. Just when I thought I had told my children My Story, I realized I had missed the mark. At the root of "My Story is the motivation and determination embedded in me, a black man, by my black Mother who raised me as a single Mom. It was through her and God; I managed to defy academic, athletic, business and social myths/stereotypes. Any success I've had in life, large or small, is primarily attributable to the infusion of "can do" instilled in me by my Mother. She is at the very core of My Story.

My goals for this Memoir are 1). Provide my young adults with information about their Family Tree and their Old Man. 2). Share "My Story to inspire others, particularly young Black men and women raised by a single Mom. My hope is I give others the courage to try and do the unthinkable and not be afraid to come out of their comfort zone. I hope you will be bold enough to knock down walls and try new things in life, like I, such as writing a Memoir to tell your story.

Cognizant other black men have told their story, each of ours is unique, in its own way. Enclosed is my inimitable story.

Forward

by Kevin Simmons

I have had the honor to be alongside Eric Simmons in many aspects of my life. These include struggles, temptations, excitement, and many other facets of existence a person may go through. Specifically, an African American male in a society that still struggles with racism. This mans story can be applied to many in the Black community, particularly male and female athletes that have grown up with one parent or no parent. This book isnt just a glimpse into the past of a familys history; it entails stories that provide the reader with hope and motivation for their life. Not Far From The Tree is also a spotlight into the experiences of an African American male and how he and other blacks lived during the 60s and 70s when racial tensions were high.

My father is someone that I look up to as a respected man of character, integrity, and humility. He takes pride in his various crafts, and it has translated into being an example for his family, friends, and people around him. When I think about the credibility of Eric Simmons, a timeline of his accolades and successes come to mind. From his heart over height mentality to make Auburns basketball team, against all the odds, to obtaining various leadership positions while working at IBM and other Fortune 500 companies, he has the hardware to prove he knows what he is talking about. The key thing about Eric Simmons is that he has always been humble throughout his life. While reading the book, I hope you will be able to see how a small African American male from Little Rock, Arkansas made a name for himself.

Readers will find historical information about the Simmons family and understand the origins of where Eric Simmons has come from. Im hopeful that in reading this book, people will further understand how important family lineage is and more importantly, pick up on key life lessons throughout its contents. Life is a never-ending battle with few ups and many downs. The times we live in now, are such, people have numerous resources to help them overcome trials and tribulations. I believe this book is going to help individuals, raised by a single parent, or no parent, that are going through or have gone through similar circumstances as my Dad. This book is a guide for people who can relate to Eric Simmons and find themselves looking for hope and encouragement. Not Far From The Tree is a great read, and at the end of the book, I believe readers will see that they too are not far from the tree.