William Simmons

Longtime Kerrville resident William (Bill) Biggio Simmons, Jr. passed away in his sleep on the morning of Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at his home in northwest Kerrville. He was 95, only two months from what would have been his 96^th birthday. He was with his daughter and her husband at the time of passing, and had recently enjoyed extended visits with all of his children and their families. He felt very blessed to be able to live at home and remain healthy and mobile to enjoy time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were provided by Kerrville Funeral Home, and his entire family gathered in Kerrville for a final viewing on Sunday, September 24, 2023. Everyone had an opportunity to offer their thoughts and remembrances about him, and he would have loved seeing three generations of his family together to share their wonderful memories of him and how he influenced their lives.

Bill Simmons was born at the U.S. Naval Academy hospital in Annapolis, Maryland on November 16, 1927. He was the eldest son of William B. Simmons, Sr., and Minnie Etta Thaison Simmons, who were originally from McAllen and Rio Grande City in South Texas. Bill’s father was stationed around the globe with the U.S. Navy, but Bill grew to maturity in McAllen, Texas. It was there that he met the love of his life, Patricia (Pat) Ann Beardmore, also of McAllen, and they eventually married on May 26, 1950. They both attended and graduated from Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) in 1952. Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering and started working for Mobil Oil Company that same year, eventually becoming a petroleum engineer and finally a regulatory engineer, representing his company on regulatory matters before the Texas Railroad Commission. After 40 years of service, Bill retired from Mobil in 1992 and began planning for granting his wife’s lifelong wish to have a home in the Texas Hill Country. They moved to Kerrville in September 1994, and he lived here for the next 29 years.

In addition to being a wonderful husband and father, Bill volunteered many evenings and weekends as a Cubmaster and assistant Scoutmaster for his sons, and as a chauffeur for his daughters’ many Girl Scout meetings and camping trips. He never tired of visiting his children at college, and he took many great vacation trips with his family and after retirement, with Pat.

Bill Simmons was preceded in death by his wife, his younger brother Robert (Bob) Monroe Simmons of Kansas City, Missouri, and his parents. Bill is survived by his children and their spouses: Tommy and Cindy of Round Rock, Texas; Bob and Helen of Raleigh, North Carolina; Margaret and Mike Byrne of Midland, Texas; and Patricia and Tim Tanner of Mount Juliet, Tennessee; four nieces and nephews; and to his great delight, by eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in memory of Bill Simmons to any worthy charity or cause.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Kerrville funeral Home. (830)895-5111