William Harrison Simms

1956 - 2025

William Harrison Simms

July 10, 1956 - February 11, 2025

William Harrison "Bill" Simms passed away unexpectedly on February 11, 2025. He was 68 years old (young). Bill was born July 10, 1956, in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of Joseph Scannell Simms, Sr. and Wilma Jeannette VanMeter Simms. He is survived by his mother, Wilma, "Jeanne" Simms, sister, Laura Viergutz (Claude), brothers Joe Simms and Van Simms (Kathy), five nieces and nephews, and ten grand nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his partner, Henry Barton "Buster" Belmar, his father, Joseph S. Simms, Sr, and his nephew, Christian Simms.

Bill attended Normal Community High School and was an Illinois State University graduate. He started his career in the banking world but enjoyed his subsequent work in three very different areas. He and Buster worked together at Buster and Co. Hair Salon. Although Bill had a cosmetology license, he preferred to manage the financial side of the business. He especially enjoyed working at National Car Company with his best friend, Marlene Ludwig Woodruff. (He even named one of his dogs, Ludwig!) He procured all the licenses and titles for the fleet and loved driving all the new cars. More recently Bill worked for Bill Brady, the Illinois State Republican Leader and the State Senator for the 44th District of Illinois. As the Administrative Liaison between the senator and his constituents, Bill enjoyed handling "unique issues" that arose. His brilliant mind solved many of those unique situations. His superb communication skills were on display and enjoyed by the readers of the newsletter "The Brady Bulletin." He, not only, was a contributor, but also, the editor and publisher.

In 2021 Bill moved to the Tampa, Florida area to take care of his mother, He selflessly chose to do this out of his love for her. Bill shared his mother's interest in genealogy and together they attended local area genealogy meetings. He was the Vice President of the local chapter of the S.A.R., Sons of the American Revolution. Bill was very knowledgeable about antiques of all kinds and enjoyed attending auctions. One of his favorite things to do was shopping and dining in Chicago with Marlene and friends, especially at Christmastime.

Just as his friends in Illinois missed him when he relocated to Florida, his family misses him immensely. Notes of remembrance may be posted at The Legacy Site of Baldwin Brothers Funeral and Cremation Society. Bill will be laid to rest next to his lifelong partner, Buster, in Oak Grove Cemetery in Le Roy, Illinois.