William James "Bill"

Simmons

William James “Bill” Simmons, 88, traveled peacefully to his heavenly home Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a long illness. Known affectionately as "Billy Jim" by old friends and "Daddy Bill" to his grandchildren, he leaves behind a legacy of deep faith, athletic excellence, and a mischievous, joyful spirit.

Celebration of Life: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 5, 2026, at Biggers Funeral Home, 6100 Azle Ave, Fort Worth, Texas 76135. Family and friends are invited to a gathering at Spring Creek Barbeque, 6701 Lake Worth Blvd., immediately following the service to share memories and celebrate his life.

Bill was born in Pecos, Texas, September 22, 1938, to Thomas J. and Edna E. Simmons. He was a proud graduate of Pecos High School, where he enthusiastically participated in every sport available and earned the honor of being named a high school All-American for his basketball skills. He went on to attend Texas Christian University, where he continued as a standout basketball player and earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce. Go Frogs!

For many years, Bill owned and operated the Bill Simmons Insurance Agency, serving his community with integrity. An avid sports fan and a creature of routine, Bill took great pleasure in the simple constants of life, which included reading the Fort Worth Star-Telegram cover to cover every single day until his health no longer permitted it.

Beyond his career and hobbies, Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He possessed an exceptionally kind heart and a high degree of patience. He absolutely adored teasing and playing with his grandchildren, quickly becoming their ultimate partner in crime. Whether he was wearing a funny mask, donning a goofy hat, or pulling a practical joke, Bill knew how to bring laughter to those he loved most.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Edna; and his three sisters, Novella Davis, Tommie Willcoxson, and Melba Smith.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Beverly Simmons; his son, Bradley Simmons and wife, Angela; his daughter, Tawana Simmons and husband, Terrence Tucker; his four grandchildren, Taylor Jaffe (Michael), David Bass (Ehrin), Kathryn Mui (Evan), and Madeline Lentz (Joshua); his nine great-grandchildren, Moriah, Michaela, Levi, Malachi, Solomon, and Marielle Jaffe, and Matthew, Joshua, and Nathan Bass; his brother-in-law, Ralph K. Smith; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning, or crying, or pain, for the former things have passed away. And HE who is seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’” — Revelation 21:4-5