Willard M. Simmons Obituary in Lebanon at J.C. Hellum Funeral Home

Obituary For Willard M. Simmons

Celebrating the life of Willard Melvin Simmons, Sr. Willard Melvin Simmons, loving father, and grandfather passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021, at 83. Willard, born December 5, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan. He was an only child and is preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Gladys Simmons. Willard was a 1956 graduate from Pershing High School in Detroit, where he excelled as an active member of the Foreign Exchange and Photography Clubs. He had a zeal for sports and was a two-sport athlete on the football and baseball teams. After high school, Willard worked in a hospital, then completed training as a skilled welder at the Hobart School of Welding in Troy, Ohio. He ultimately worked for the Delco Moraine Assembly in Dayton, Ohio, continuing his education and professional development through General Motors. Willard’s passion for family, fishing, bowling, and his children were his happy places. He was known for his friendly nature and gracious demeanor, never meeting a stranger. An avid storyteller, he shared life lessons with anyone who would listen. A compassionate man, his favorite offering to many, “Your kindness shall never be forgotten.” The Simmons ancestral line left a legacy of “staying connected” through weekly Sunday telephone calls, reunions, and memorable family meals at his parent’s home. The 21st century Simmons clan continues this tradition via Facebook, social media groups, and more. Though Willard was an only child, his cousins, the late Gladys Simmons, AKA “Little Gladys,” and Frederick Simmons, were like his brother and sister. He often shared stories of their childhood adventures. Willard appreciated nature leading to his love of ice and deep-sea fishing, leaving many stories and photos for the family archive. His favorite places to fish included John Bryant Park in Springfield, Ohio, and Idlewild, Michigan, where he honored his children by passing on his love for fishing and nature. They also have great memories from Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan, spending time at the zoo, beach, giant slide, and botanical garden. They traveled from Dayton and Springfield, Ohio, where they explored lakes and woodlands on many occasions. They also toured nearby cities, always searching Blue Moon ice cream, among other adventures. An international traveler, Willard visited Australia; London, England; Channel Island, France; and Canada with family and friends. Family reunions were always a big deal for him where he always participated on the reunion committee; so many photos left to commemorate these beautiful times. While in Dayton, Willard was also a member of the Southwest Golden Agers, senior bowling league, at Capri Lanes. For the last ten years, Willard battled dementia and Alzheimer’s, and his daughter, Stephanie, was his primary caretaker. During this time, they shared many happy memories of attending sporting events, theater, and musical performances at Brentwood High School and Tennessee State University. They recently enjoyed late-night movies, where they watched one of his favorite films, “In Pursuit of Happiness.” Though the last decade had bumpy roads at times, Willard always knew his family and friends loved him. Left to cherish his memories are three daughters, Dr. Stephanie Yvette Simmons (Huntsville, Alabama), Latonya Renee Simmons (Dayton, Ohio), Latricia Finley (Chattanooga, Tennessee); one son, Willard Melvin Simmons, Jr. (Springfield, Ohio); one bonus daughter, Kay Helton (Las Vegas, Nevada); and granddaughter, Jenea Tiera Graham, (Atlanta, Georgia). Willard was also preceded in death by one bonus son, Mark Bibbs.

Life Celebration for Willard Melvin Simmons, Sr. Monday, October 4,2021 @ 1pm Woodlawn Cemetery Main Mausoleum 19975 Woodward Avenue Detroit, MI 48203

Please keep the Simmons family in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to JC Hellum Funeral Home, Inc., 107 Stokes St., Lebanon, TN 37087 (615) 444-4558

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Soror Simmons, You and your family are in my prayers. The memories of your Dad will bring a smile to your face, as you go through this difficult time. You did an awesome job caring for your Dad. Soror Roberta Hill

Steph, Renee and family. So sorry for the passing of your Dad. He can finally rest easy now, without any more pain. Wishing you all fond memories of him to sustain you for a lifetime. Many hugs and love always Sands. Marlo and family.

Sorors Simmons❤Holding you both and your family in my prayers 🙏🏾. Sending Love, peace, comfort and strength from my heart to yours❣🙏🏾❣ Love You Both, Camille

Daddy Butch Loved the many talks and your positive response.May you now Rest in Peace.

Dr. Simmons I enjoyed meeting your dad at BHS. He loved being in your presence and you did a wonderful taking care of him.

Stephanie and family, I have so many fond memories of Mr. Summons visits to Brentwood High with Stephanie. He always had a smile and a kind word to say, and he loved being around the students. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you during this sad time.

So glad and thankful to have gotten acquainted with Cousin Willard (Butch) Simmons. Feels like I've known him all my life, but only had a couple conversations with him...
Much love and respect from Charles (Rocky) Williams and family

Our love and prayers are with you for your loss Stepahnie and family. Mr. Simmons will rest well knowing his strong legacy will continue to shine brightly in you! With love, Lawrence, Karen, Adalis and Jared Clemons.

Rest in Peace Mr. Simmons. May your light continue to shine through your children. My Condolences to the Simmons family.

Sending Prayers and Condolences to the Simmons Family . Love,Joe,Sylvia,Steffanie,Staycie Minnifield

Stephanie & Family, Thinking of you at this time if bereavement. May your memories bring you comfort. Sincerely, Michelle Carter Johnson Nashville Alumnae Chapter

REST PEACEFULLY MY DADDY🕊️🕊️🕊️YOUR RENEE

The Bruin family was honored by Mr. Simpsons's love and support for our athletics. Dr. Simmons made sure he attended football games, basketball, soccer, track and any district championships he could. My condolences to the Simpson family. We love Dr. Simmons...she sure loves her dad.

Uncle Butch, you always had a big smile on your face. Rest easy now. Love, Betty Jean

Prayers to the family and asking for God's strength to carry you through this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Simmons at various Delta Sigma Theta events in the Nashville area while he was accompanying Dr. Stephanie Simmons. Most memorably at our Health Fair where he brought smiles to many of our faces. May your memories of so many great times bring your through. R. Rahman