Rev. William Bailey Simmons, C.S.C., passed away on December 19, 2011 at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. He was 84 years old.
Fr. Simmons was born in Quanah, Texas to George and Hazel (Carter) Simmons on June 14, 1927. After two years at Lubbock High School, he transferred to Holy Cross Seminary in 1941.
After a year of study at the University of Notre Dame, he entered St. Joseph Novitiate and made his First Profession on February 2, 1946. He graduated from Notre Dame in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and then studied theology at Holy Cross College in Washington, D.C. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 1952 at Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Ind. His first assignment was to his alma mater, Holy Cross Seminary, where he taught until 1954, at which time he entered the University of Michigan, where he obtained a master's degree in linguistics in 1955. Upon returning to Holy Cross Seminary in 1955, he became its last principal and superior. During this time, he also obtained a Master of Science in Library Science from the Catholic University of America, Washington, DC in 1964.
After Holy Cross Seminary closed in 1967, he became the principal at Notre Dame High School in Niles, Ill., until 1969. Fr. Simmons returned to teaching at St. Joseph's High School in South Bend from 1969 to 1970.
In 1970, Fr. Simmons moved to Moreau Seminary and became the Director of the College Formation Program while also teaching at Holy Cross Junior College. In 1972, he began teaching full time until 1986.
Fr. Simmons became Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish at Notre Dame in 1986 and he remained there until 1992 when he moved to Fatima Retreat Center where he assisted. In 1994, he was named Superior at Holy Cross Mission House and moved to Corby Hall when his term ended six years later in June of 2000. From 1998 to 2007, Fr. Simmons was the Archivist at the Province Archives, Notre Dame, Ind. In 2010, Fr. Simmons moved to Holy Cross House where he resided until his death.
Fr. Simmons is preceded in death by his parents George and Hazel (Carter) and his brother George Albert and one nephew, Carter. He is survived by a niece, Susan Simmons of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; and two nephews: George Simmons of Anaheim, Calif., and William Simmons who lives in Montana.
Viewing for Rev. William Bailey Simmons, C.S.C., will be held in the Chapel of Moreau Seminary, University of Notre Dame, Wednesday, December 21, 2011 from 3:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Wake Service at 7:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, University of Notre Dame, on Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers First Assistant Provincial and Vicar Rev. Kenneth M. Molinaro, C.S.C., will preside at the funeral Mass. Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Development, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765.
