William Lowell “Bill” Simmons, Jr. of Eustis, Florida passed away on August 9, 2023 in Mount Dora, Florida at the age of 90. Bill was born August 14, 1932, the eldest son of his parents William and Lois Simmons, in Bemis, Tennessee. He met the love of his life, Cynthia (Cindy) Simmons, in Bemis and they were married in 1952. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Missouri where their four daughters were born. Bill and Cindy eventually settled and raised their daughters in Oswego, Illinois where they lived for over 25 years.
Bill spent most of his career at Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring after 30 years. Through the years he enjoyed playing sports including football, basketball, baseball, bowling, pool and golf. He excelled at each, whether playing in company leagues, his country club leagues or just for fun. By the endearment of his friends and teammates, he was given the unofficial title of “The King”. He always enjoyed spending time with his and Cindy’s many friends and neighbors hosting backyard barbecues and playing cards.
Retirement took Bill and Cindy to Eustis, Florida where they bought a home on a lake and joined Pine Meadows Country Club. He used his carpenter skills to design and construct their dock on the lake and the deck where they would enjoy their beautiful property. He always said “a busy person is a happy person”. He especially enjoyed spending a lot of his leisure time on the golf course where he was club champion several times. Friendships began at the golf club and continued for decades. Bill’s grandchildren loved spending time at the house swimming, fishing and boating and getting private golf and chess lessons from Grandpa.
Bill was a lifetime member of the Royal Order of Moose where he and Cindy enjoyed dancing, dinner with friends, and most of all, playing tournament pool with his buddies, usually winning the pot.
Bill always attributed his successes to his “good, clean living” which his family happily also references and credits for their own successes.
Bill is predeceased by his wife, Cynthia, and his brother, David. He is survived by his brother Richard of Byahlia, MS, daughters Debbie Fox of Mount Dora, FL, Rose Hiney of Eustis, FL, Connie Shick of Eustis, FL, and Lois Warwick (Ron) of Parker, CO; grandchildren Ashley, Carter, David, Kendra, Jennifer, Nicole, Sara, Savannah, and Tony; great-grandchildren Braelyn, David, Emma, Isabel, JJ, Jase, and John; and great-great-grandchildren Tristanna and Mya.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at the Golden Triangle Moose Lodge located at 1901 Titcomb St., Eustis, FL. 32726.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Alzheimer’s Association – www.alz.org.