Mr. William Bill Francis Simmons, Jr.

He was born in Charleston, SC and raised with loving, extended family on Sullivan’s Island and in Columbus, GA. He was a graduate of St. Bernard High School, Cullman, AL. He attended St. Bernard College and Seminary and St. John College and Seminary, Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a graduate of St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore, MD.

He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1965 and served the Diocese of Savannah for 35 years. He served as a hospice chaplain for 10 years. He was a member of Saint Peter’s Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of the Fourth Degree of the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his devoted and loving wife Kateri Mielnicki Simmons; brothers B. Russell Simmons of Columbus, GA and David Maginn Simmons (Lora) of San Antonia, TX; sister Peggy Anne Simmons of Charleston, SC; many cherished nieces, nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Cissie Simmons and niece Chapel Shalom Simmons.

Visitation and rosary will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, LaGrange Chapel Sunday, March 15, 2015, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with rosary at 7:45 PM. Mass of Christian burial will be 10:00 AM, Monday, March 16, 2015 at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, LaGrange, Georgia. Burial will be at Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, GA.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, LaGrange, GA.

Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.

Arrangements are by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636