William Ross Simmons of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away May 5, 2021.
Bill was born October 22, 1933, to Emma (Proffitt) and H. H. Simmons in Flippin, Kentucky. Bill graduated from Marion High School. Following graduation, he worked at Rockwell Collins in Cedar Rapids and Dallas, Texas.
On December 28, 1952, Bill was united in marriage to Roberta Hite in Anamosa. Bill served as a Corporal in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. From 1953 - 1955 he was stationed in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and Fort Benning, Georgia.
Following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, Bill and Roberta operated a DX gas station in Cedar Rapids. In the late 50’s, they purchased a milk transportation business and Bill hauled milk for over 40 years for farmers in the Kalona and Cedar Rapids areas. Since 1960, Bill and Roberta resided in North Liberty.
Bill was a member of the First United Methodist Church of North Liberty. Bill was an avid reader.
During Bill’s retirement years he enjoyed playing in golf tournaments, volunteering as a caddy for the National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournaments and supporting and attending games of Iowa Hawkeye men’s and women’s sports teams. Bill’s passions in life were his family and enjoying the outdoors, especially farming.
Bill is survived by his four children: Pamela (Lee) Vande Voort of Pella, Paul (Melinda Arvidson) of Riverside, Lynda Pierce of Orchard Lake, Michigan, and Lynn (Devin Redmond) of Iowa City; his grandchildren: Joshua Simmons, Sydney Pierce, Paige Pierce, Alec Pierce, and Tommy June Simmons; and his sister: Marion Athlyne Mordorst of Marion.
He was preceded in death by his wife: Roberta; his parents; and his sister: Margaret Shirley Miller.
A private family gathering will be held. Memorial gifts may be made in Bill’s memory to Camp Courageous in Monticello, Iowa. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.
