Bill Simmons

GLENALLEN, Mo. -- Bill J. Simmons, 88 of Glenallen entered his heavenly home Monday, Oct. 24, 2016. He left this earthly abode and now is sitting on his heavenly porch swing, no doubt telling stories and cracking jokes.

On Oct. 9, 1948, he married Lettie Idella Eaker, the love of his life and soul mate for over 67 years, and she passed away April 21, 2016. They brought into this world five children, Carol (Ed) Smith, deceased, Kenneth (Sharon) Simmons of Glenallen, Cathy (Kenneth) Trentham of Marble Hill, Missouri, Tammy (Patrick) Tankersley of Jackson and Kristi (David) Black of Jackson. Twelve grandchildren -- who he loved to spoil -- they are Jaycie (Andy) Johnson, Samantha (Josh) Hobbs, Jodi (Donnie) Long, Justin Simmons, Lucas (Jenna) Simmons, Kyle Trentham, Cory (Cassie) Trentham, Tyler (Jessica) Tankersley, Caleb Tankersley, Whitney (Matt) Miller and Katie and Hallie Black. He was blessed with 15 great-grandchildren, Bella, Gwynnie and Lucy Johnson, Callie and Elijah Hobbs, Chloe, Mattie and Ellie Simmons, Abbigail and Garret Simmons, Faith and Jacob Trentham, Henry and Owen Tankersley and little sister Tankersley, who will enter this world in January, and Sydney Miller.

Bill is survived by one brother, David (Shirley) Simmons; one sister, Ruth (James) Dowd, both of Glenallen; and many in-laws, nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Bill had an infectious sense of humor and loved nothing more than rocking on one of the many porch swings he had at his home while sitting next to someone he loved. He was generous with his time, talents and love. He was a master storyteller. If he ever needed a favor, he would utter, "If you'll do this for me, I'll dance at your wedding in a pig trough." This became the title to his published book, "Dancing in a Pig Trough," which depicts his life as a child growing up in the Depression and later as an adult. He had a deep faith and served as Sunday-school superintendent and deacon for many years at Grassy Friendship Church. He served his country in the Army in World War II, where he was stationed in Japan. His life, lived as a devoted husband, father and grandfather, serves as a great legacy for all who knew and loved him.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters and one daughter.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 11 a.m. until time of service Saturday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri.

A celebration of life will be at noon Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Elijah Allen officiating. Burial will be in McGee Chapel Cemetery in Glenallen, with full military honors.

Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to McGee Chapel Cemetery Association.