Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2025
William Simms Obituary
02/02/1948 - 05/08/2025
William James Simms, 77 years old, of San Francisco, CA sadly passed away on May 8, 2025. A San Francisco native, born on February 2, 1948, he was a decorated war veteran with a Bronze Star for Valor amongst other medals and awards for his military service in Vietnam from 1968-1970. He continued his legacy of public service as a police officer with the San Francisco Police Department for 32 years and spent the last portion of his career with the Mounted Unit, which he absolutely loved.
Bill's hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He loved Hawaii, music, golf, barbecuing, Joe's of Westlake, and Bay Area sports, especially the SF Giants, often spending his summers attending games with his family when he wasn't sitting by the beach in Hawaii. He shared these loves with his family and friends, leaving behind many happy and wonderful memories.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, with which he shared 39 wonderful years, his children, Harry and wife Alison (Emma, Rylee, and Abby), Kathryn, Kelly, and Jason and wife Priscilla (Nick and Taylor). He is also survived by his siblings, Diana and husband Mark (Stephanie), Michael (Sally and Joseph), and Theresa and husband Bradley (Victoria), as well as his stepfather, Joseph. Bill also leaves behind his brother-in-law, Thomas (Erin, Stephen, and Shannon), and his sister-in-law Nancy. Bill is preceded in passing by his mother, Florence,his stepmother, Madeline, sister-in-law, Margaret, and niece, Nicole.
Bill's memory will live on in the wonderful memories of those privileged enough to have met and knew him. He shared his infectious smile and warm heart with so many family members, friends, and loved ones and we find comfort knowing how many lives he impacted with the love he shared.
If you'd like to share in the celebration of life for Bill, services will be held on Thursday May 29, 2025 at St. Gabriel Church starting at 10:30AM with a rosary, followed by a mass at 11AM.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warrior Project or the USO, both of which Bill was proud to support.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Simms
Brenda B Walker
July 9, 2025
Rest in Peace dear friend. Thank you for always being kind. I always loved your smile. You always looked like a natural on a horse. I hope there are plenty of horses to ride on heaven. My deepest condolences to the Family.
Matt murphy
June 4, 2025
I remember when billy simms first came to the mounted unit in early 1989. And for the 18 years we worked together. We had a lot of good times together,along with other members of the unit. Billy you were a prince and I´ll miss you. My condolences to Sharon and family. Rest in peace my friend, you deserve it. Matt murphy stable attendant 1985-2021
Roy Sullivan
June 3, 2025
Bill and I were partners for several years working the plain clothes 35 unit at Company G in the late 70´s. Great guy and a terrific partner. Rest well buddy.
Kevin Phipps
June 3, 2025
Bill broke me in as a rookie at Richmond Station. He was a good cop and a good man. My condolences.
Joe Fitzpatrick
June 3, 2025
I have a fond recollection of Bill while working at Richmond Station many, many years ago.
Brian White
May 29, 2025
Condolences on Bill´s passing. I knew him a lifetime ago when I managed, and he frequented, Westlake Tropicals, in the 1970´s. I even sold him my blue 1974 Ford Pinto! R.I.P.
A good man down.
Bern J
May 29, 2025
Dear Sharon & Family,
How sad to hear of your beloved Bill-what a great guy! It seems like just yesterday i saw him on his horse looking so grand in that saddle! May precious memories and love ones comfort you now...
Healthy Blessings,
Phil Downs
May 28, 2025
Bill, on his "bomb-proof" mount Chub, was the ideal mounted officer, always making the best impression on the countless citizens and tourists he encountered. He was reliable, professional, and a consummate gentleman with a great sense of humor who suffered no fools. Rest in peace, Billy!
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Make a Donation
in William Simms's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for William Simms
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Simms's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
