Willie Edmonds Simmons, Sr., son of Ida Mae Williams Simmons and the late McKinley Simmons, was born on April 16, 1949 in Halifax County, North Carolina. He departed his life on May 20, 2009.

Willie joined Lebanon Baptist Church at an early age where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Board and President of the Lebanon Male Chorus.

He received his education through the Halifax County Public School System, graduating in 1968 from Eastman High School.

Willie was joined in Holy Matrimony to Annette Robinson Simmons on April 8, 1972 and this union was blessed with four children.

He was a textile worker at JP Stevens for over 30 years where he held numerous positions.

Willie was preceded in death by his father, McKinley Simmons; sister, Helen Marie; and father-in-law, Newell Robinson.

Willie was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and grandfather, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and working on lawnmowers. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also loved singing with the Lebanon Male Chorus. Willie never met a stranger. He was loved, respected and well-known throughout the community.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories, his wife: Annette Simmons; three sons: Kenneth of Jackson, NC, Keith (Vanessa) of Enfield, NC, and Willie, Jr. (Sharnetta) of Littleton, NC; one daughter: Atiya of Greensboro, NC; eight grandchildren: Ciara, Kevin, Shawanda, Keith, Jr., Dreveous, Keontae, Danijah, and Shuntaviah; six great-grandchildren: Dashan, Joseph, Jordan, Jamarie, Joshua, and Auroara; five sisters: Catherine (Edgar) of Roanoke Rapids, NC, Vanell of Enfield, NC, Gloria (Charles) of Weldon, NC, Corinne of Weldon, NC, and Darlene of Enfield, NC; four brothers: Bruce (Doris) of Halifax, NC, David (Valerie) of Littleton, NC, Zerome of Enfield, NC, and Albert (Brenda) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; sisters-in-law: Ruby Pinckney of Manhattan, NY, Nancy Whitaker and Christine Lee, both of Enfield, NC; brothers-in-law: Charles Robinson of Roanoke, VA, Russell Robinson of Rocky Mount, NC, Leroy Robinson and Harry Robinson and Matthew Robinson, all of Enfield, NC, Julius Robinson of New Carrolton, MD, and Julian Robinson of Garysburg, NC; two aunts: Lennis Hammond, of Oxon Hill, MD, and Jewel Williams of Ft. Washington, MD; mother-in-law: Ella Mae Robinson of Enfield, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.