William Dean “Bill” Simmons

Mr. William Dean “Bill” Simmons, 82, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023, at his home in Jackson, TN. The funeral will be Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 2:00 P.M. in the chapel of Waller Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Ray Stonestreet officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 12:30 P.M. Burial will follow in Eastover Memorial Cemetery.

Mr. Simmons was born on October 21, 1940, in Pontotoc, MS to the late Zenis and Opal Simmons. He served his country in the United States Air Force before beginning his career in manufacturing. The greatest joy in his life was his love for fishing. Mr. Simmons was most content when he was out on the lake, rod and reel in hand. Even on days when the fish weren’t biting, he considered it time well wasted. Mr. Simmons held a special bond with his nephews, Larry and Steve, who would join him on the weekends to fish and go out to eat. Through his passion for fishing, Mr. Simmons would express his love for his family and friends by always sharing his catches and keeping their freezers well stocked. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate of 55 years, Frances Simmons; his brother, Kenneth L. “Ken” Simmons, Sr.; and his sister, Martha F. Russell.

Mr. Simmons is survived by his brother, Danny Simmons of Oxford, MS; his sister, Nina Henry of Oxford, MS; a host of nieces and nephews; and his beloved nephews, fishing buddies, and caregivers, Larry and Steve Dorris.

Expressions of sympathy or memorial contributions in Mr. Simmons memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.