William Henry Simon Jr.

William H. Simon, Jr. “Bill”, 77, of Largo, Florida passed away on September 11, 2021. Son of William Henry Simon and Mary Katherine Bryant from Jackson, Mississippi. William was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Jacki Simon as well as his sister, Betty Jo Thomas. He is survived by his children, Michael “Tony” Simon and wife, Teresa; Blake Farinas; William H. Simon, III and Katherine A. Gagne, as well as his adored greyhound, Enzo.

Bill was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. Bill had a brilliant mind for business and demonstrated his abilities at a young age, from selling his Model A Ford before he was old enough to drive, to businesses while attending Millsaps College. After graduating from college, Bill spent 15 years with the Internal Revenue Service and was instrumental in many policy changes resulting in several developmental assignments in the Service Center, Region and District offices. Bill held many positions within IRS during his career, but he was most proud of being appointed the Assistant Regional Commissioner (Examination) responsible for all examination activity in seven states. After departing IRS, Bill joined an international accounting firm as a tax partner and Director of the Tax Department. Bill has always been motivated to be successful in all his entrepreneurship endeavors through his career. Bill propelled his experience and opened the first tax controversy firm in the United States, W.H. Simon & Co, P.A. in Clearwater, Florida, representing taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities all over the world.

Bill was a beloved husband, devoted and proud father; Bill never missed any of Tony’s football games and always enjoyed spending time with his family. He had a passion for cooking, gambling, boats and cars. He enjoyed his soul music, being on the water and driving fast. He was deeply loved and will be sorely missed by countless family and friends. We will remember his generosity and talent for storytelling. He made a difference in the lives of many.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on February 26, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida, 33774 www.SerenityFuneralHome.com

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation https://suncoasthospice.org/online-donations in Bill’s honor.

Condolences may be offered at Serenity Funeral Home & Serenity Gardens Memorial Park | Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery (dignitymemorial.com).