Funeral services for Mr. Willie James Simmons, 79, will be 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Terry's Mortuary Chapel. Pastor Bobby J. Welch will deliver the eulogy. Interment will be in Mt. Pilgrim Church Cemetery. Visitation will be 1-6 p.m. on Saturday, January 16, 2020, at the funeral home.

On Thursday, April 10, 1941, Will “Daddy Bill” Simmons and Alberta Henry Simmons of Talladega, Alabama welcomed their seventh child, a son they named Willie James and was simply called James, to their family.

Mr. Simmons committed his life to Christ at an early age and was a lifelong member of Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church. James received his education in the city of Talladega and completed his studies at Westside High School. He was a former employee of the Talladega County Sheriff Department, Cosper Construction, Metro D Construction and worked as a self-employed general contractor. In his free time, James enjoyed farming, hunting and fishing. On Monday, August 3, 1959, James married the former Josie Mae Howell.

On Wednesday, January 13, 2021, God called and James answered at Citizens Baptist Medical Center. He was preceded in passing to eternity by his parents, Willie and Alberta Simmons; five brothers, Clatis Simmons, LeRoy Simmons, George Simmons, Arthur McElrath and W. C. Simmons.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 61 years, Josie M. Simmons of Talladega, Alabama; four daughters, Lucretia Garrett, Vanessa (David) Gaddis, LaSonya (Joe) Garrett and Yolanda (Donald) Garrett of Talladega, Alabama; two sons, Lynn Simmons and Quinton (Sharon) Welch of Talladega, Alabama; twelve grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Simmons of Buffalo, New York; two brothers, Daniel Simmons of Talladega, Alabama; Marvin (Lue) Simmons of Buffalo, New York and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.