William R. 'Bill' Simmons, Sr., age 94 of Clermont, Florida and formerly of Hobart, Indiana passed away December 6, 2022. He was born on September 11, 1928 in Sesser, Illinois to the late John Raymond and Elizabeth (Loucks) Simmons. Bill also nicknamed Sonny, married the love of his life, Helen in 1945. They had 4 children and moved to Northwest Indiana in 1959, where he began his career as a carpenter for Local 599 in Hammond, Indiana. He was a member of that union for 62 years. He worked as Superintendent for Dedelow Construction and Calumet Construction. He helped build several hospitals, power plants, the National Can Company in Puerto Rico, a plant in Venezuela and rebuilt the Lock and Damn in Peoria, Illinois. He and Helen raised their family in the Gary United Pentecostal Church, which is now Pentecostals of Southlake Church in Merrillville, which he helped build. He had an unwavering faith in God which he imparted in his children, family and friends. After retiring in 1990, he spent winters with Helen near Tampa, Florida for twenty years. In 2010 they moved full time to Clermont, Florida to be near their children and he attended the Clermont Pentecostal Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 77 years, Helen B. (Cockrum) Simmons; son, William (Judith) Simmons, Jr.; daughters, Frances (Ron) Winiarczyk; Jayne Ann (Dave) Atherton all of Clermont, Florida; 10 grandchildren, William (Mariclair) Simmons III, Michael (Gwynne) Simmons, Amy (J.P.) Murray, Melissa (Brian) Gilliam, Karissa (Duane) Sweeney, Holly Duffey, Lisa Ruedemann, Dennis Simmons, Matthew (Elisabeth) Atherton, Jake (Erica) Atherton; 28 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; many loving nieces, nephews, family members, friends and the friends they have at Superior Assisted Living in Clermont, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Raymond and Elizabeth (Loucks) Simmons; his son, John (Lee) Simmons; his siblings, Noble (Leila) Simmons, Fern Baty, Darrell (Claire) Simmons, Madge (Randall) Dilliner, Jesse (Erma) Simmons, Ida Belle (Ralph) Greenwood, Dorothy Brooks and Bob (Betty) Simmons.

Visitation for Bill will be held Thursday, December 15, 2022 from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. A funeral service will take place Friday, December 16, 2022 at 10:30 am at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .