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