Willie Simmons

Willie M. Simmons, was born September 18, 1924, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Boston and Ethel Simmons. He was the oldest of three children. Esther Griffin, his sister proceeded him in death. Willie Simmons was called to eternal rest on April 16, 2022.

Although he was born in Cleveland, he was not raised in Cleveland. His family moved around from Defuniak Springs, FL, to Wakeland, GA, to Brewton, AL. Even though he just completed the 8th grade, he found work at a young age in Pensacola, FL doing pipework. He relocated back to Cleveland at the age of 19 and landed a job at Empire Dinette Furniture Company, and Farrow Foundry where he made block engines for cars and trucks. Then he moved on and found work at Midland Steels, where he was a leadman a the plant and retired with forty-five years of service. He married the love of his life, Rosa Lee Clark, on November 4, 1954, who proceeded him in death in 1992. Through this union, they had three children two daughters and a son. 

While living in Cleveland, he was a member of the Hough Civic Men's Association in 1961. After moving his family to Shaker Hts. In 1963, he join the Moreland on the Mov Association. 

Willie was baptized at an early age and joined Shiloh Baptist Church & Central Baptist Church. He rededicated his life and joined Temple Baptist under the leadership of Rev. C. Vincent Berry and never left. Temple became his Home church. He was a member of the Men's Choir. His favorite scripture is Genesis 1:1. Willie was known by many names: Bill, (on the job), Brother (by family), Pop, Daddy, Uncle, Granddaddy, and Great-Papa. He was an AVID sports enthusiast for all of Cleveland's sports teams. He held season tickets to the Cleveland Browns games for 40 years. He loved game-day tailgating, gardening and barbequing. In the younger days, cabarets and bid-whist. He would call his family who lived in town or out at least once a week just to check on them and to hear their voice because he LOVED his family. You would find him in his spot on the porch every summer, keeping an eye on the neighborhood. Willie transitioned from this earthly life peacefully to begin his journey in heaven with God on April 16, 2022. He leaves not to be mourn but to cherish his memory: June (Phil) Darrisaw, Snellville, GA, Vanessa (Maurice Fields), Cleveland, OH, Roger (Maria Curtis), Shaker Hts, OH. Two Grandchildren: Delica (Bernard) Duffy, Ellenwoo GA, Branson Simmons, St. Louis, MO. Two Great Grandchildren: Kaila and Morgan Duffy, Ellenwood, GA. Extended Grandchildren: Keyoshia (Gary) Woullard, Marcellus Smith Jr, Mecha Smith (Mechael), Denika Curtis Extended Great Grandchildren: Seamen Jeremiah, Jordan, Az ria, Ny’Aire, Me’cheal, D.J., Carlos, Tommy, Torrey and Micah. He also leaves a special nephew Derrick Griffin. A HOST of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, and church family. 

"Your Wings Were Ready But Our Hearts Were Not." 

Love Granddaughter Deli

A public viewing will be held on April 29, 2022, from 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the House Of Peace Funeral Home, 4105 East 71st Street (off East 71st and Harvard), Cleveland, OH.   The Celebration of Life Services will be held Saturday, April 30, 2022, 9:30 AM Wake and 10:00 AM Service at Temple Baptist Church, 1862 Noble Road, East Cleveland, Ohio.  

Face Mask will be required for both Viewing and Funeral services.

Leave a sympathy message to the family or a note of your memories on Willie's Tribute Wall.