William Simmons, Jr

William Simmons Jr. (Buddy) departed this life on February 23, 2018, at the age, 88. He was born on December 21, 1929, to William Simmons Sr. and Annie Bell Baker. His grandparents were Warren and Lillie Mae Baker. He attended the Valdosta Public School System at an early age. He left Dasher High School and joined the United States Army. He served 3 years in the Army and fought in the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and other various medals from the Army.

After leaving the Army, he attended vocation school and worked several odd jobs until he was able to secure a steady job at Owens Illinois Bag Plant in Clyattville, Georgia for 27 years. He went to work at South Georgia Medical Center for 3 years and then retired.

William leaves to mourn his passing his loving and devoted wife of 40 years, Dorothy Stanley Simmons of Valdosta, GA; his children: Ernestine Brown of Jacksonville, FL, Wilma Kitchen of Valdosta, GA, Mary Scott (Milton, Sr.) of Orlando, FL, Craig Simmons (Robin) of Stockbridge, GA, Vanessa Folsom (Randy) of Valdosta, GA, Terry Lane (Grace) of Valdosta, GA, Linda Berrian (Frederick) of Lauderhill, FL and Bruce Wayne Stanley of Springhill, FL. In addition to his children, he leaves 23 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great grandchildren; one sister: Sylvia Blair of Valdosta, GA; one sister-in-law: Margaret Troupe; one godson and goddaughter: Lugene and Ethel Patilla, along with a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Preceding him in death: three children, William Simmons III, James Edward Simmons and Sandra Stanley; his parents, William Simmons, Sr. and Annie Bell Baker; his grandparents, Warren Baker and Lillie Mae Baker; two sisters, Annie Pearl Peterson and Mary Alice Pye; and an uncle, Willie Baker.

The Celebration of Life for the late Mr. William Simmons, Jr. will be Saturday, March 3, 2018, 11:00 A.M., from the sanctuary of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta.

Military Honors and interment will follow in the Sunset Hill Cemetery.

Dr. William C. Morgan will officiate.

Public viewing will be Friday, March 2, 2018, 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Godfrey Funeral Home.