William Patterson Simon

1932 - 2022

William Patterson Simon
December 2, 1932 - February 5, 2022
Charlotte, North Carolina - William "Bill" Patterson Simon of Charlotte, NC passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Saturday, February 5, 2022. Bill was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA to Richard and Pat Simon and was one of four children.
He attended Cornell University where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Bill was enrolled in the ROTC program and upon graduation received his commission as an officer in the United States Navy. This love of the sea followed him through life as boating brought him great joy. Shortly after, Bill married Lois Prem who attended neighboring Wells College in central New York. They lived in Boston while he completed his service in the Navy, then moved to Pittsburgh where Bill began his career with the US Steel corporation.
Bill and Lois expanded their family with the birth of their children, Bill Jr., Beth and Stuart. They moved from Mount Washington to Upper St. Clair, PA where they spent the next phase of their lives. Bill left US Steel to join a small company which he eventually bought and re-established as National Belting Service. He ran his successful business providing products and machinery to the coal mining industry until he sold his company to one of his suppliers many years later.
Bill and his family enjoyed sharing time together. Much of it spent in northern Michigan on Lake Charlevoix, the summer home of his parents. Bill and Lois eventually bought homes in Ponte Vedra, Florida where they would spend more and more time always looking forward to family gatherings centered around golf, tennis and other family activities. Eventually, Bill and Lois moved to Charlotte where they continued to make great friends and enjoy life. He was also a die-hard fan of his Pittsburgh sports teams holding season tickets for many years to the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. Whether it was at Forbes Field or Three Rivers Stadium Bill was always there sharing the experience with his children and friends.
Bill had a tremendous faith which he shared by his example and actions toward others. He was involved in Young Life, Hart Felt Ministries and was a regular volunteer at soup kitchens in Jacksonville and Charlotte as well as many other charitable organizations, which he always gave his time to freely. He had a wonderful sense of humor that was marked by a unique view of life that always brought out his creativity and compassion for others along with his sweet smile.
Lastly, Bill had a special, loving relationship with his wife Lois for more than 66 years. They came to their faith together knowing how important it was in their lives and sharing it with their family and friends. It became the bond that held them close and will always be their legacy and something for which Bill will forever be remembered.
Bill is survived by his wife, Lois; his children, Bill Simon, Jr. and his wife, Bethanie, Beth Sankey and her husband, Jim and Stuart Simon. Also surviving are his sister Jean; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Just like the movie - he had "A Wonderful Life".
The family will celebrate Bill's life with a private service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be offered in memory of Bill to The Salvation Army-Carolinas, 501 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28217 (https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/charlotte/) or Young Life, PO Box 520, Colorado Springs, CO 80901 (https://younglife.org/).
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.