Willie Elijah Simmons was born the second eldest child of three to the late Willie "EJ" Simmons and Willie Mae Dereef on July 29, 1958 in St. George, South Carolina. On Sunday, March 21, 2021, the voice of the Master whispered, "son you have fought a good fight, you have kept the faith; enter into thy kingdom where I will give you rest."

Willie was reared in the Demps community of St. George, SC and broke barriers in 1967 by integrating with students at St. George Elementary school. He would go on to graduate with the Class of 1977 from St. George High where he played Basketball, served on the Pep Club and was a Student School Bus Driver. Willie was loved by all and was nominated as class favorite by his classmates. Willie continued to participate diligently in his high school class reunions.

After High School, he joined the United States Military (Army) and traveled nationally and internationally. After completing 8 years of Honorable service, he returned to the St. George area in the late 1980's and began his career working as a security officer.

Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior many years ago and worshiped at St. Luke UMC, later transitioning to New Grace UMC. He relocated to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where he resided for 5 years. While in Ft. Lauderdale, Willie reconnected with Cynthia Neal, the love of his life and moved to Maryland in 1992 and was united in holy matrimony on March 26, 1993. Upon moving to Maryland, he continued to work various positions including Security, Pest Control, and Valet. He volunteered as Cub Master for the older son's local Cub Scout. Willie really enjoyed working with youth and sponsored trips to Florida and Atlanta Georgia to visit the MLK grave site and Ebenezer Baptist Church. He also sponsored overnight camping events for the youth.

Willie loved meeting new people and talking about sports to everyone. He was a die-hard Washington Football team fan and went to the games every opportunity he had. He was also a season ticket holder for several years. His church home "away from home" was Galilee Baptist Church in Suitland Maryland where he was a faithful member of the Men's Usher ministry. He loved attending fishing events and the annual Christmas Fellowship sponsored by the ministry.

Willie is preceded in death by his parents, maternal aunt, Tiny Lee Dereef Simmons and brother, Joe Dereef. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his wife of 28 years, Cynthia Simmons of Forestville, MD; two sons, Lamar Neal and Christian Elijah Simmons of the home. Four grandsons, Joel and Jeremiah Webb, Elijah Christian Simmons, and Matteo Sundiata Neal; One brother, Bobby Simmons of Bridgeport, CT; Four sister in laws, Sarah Joyner and Marilyn Neal, of Harleyville, SC, Virginia (Amos) Felder of Ridgeville, SC, and Barbara Dereef of Derby, CT. One brother in law, JD Spell. Four uncles, Mr. Herbert Simmons, Mr. Allen (Marie) Simmons, Mr. Roy Simmons, all of St. George, SC and Mr. Adolph Simmons, of Jersey City, NJ, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. One bonus daughter, Fatima Nellie Jackson of Winston Salem, NC. whom he affectionately referred to as (TeeTee).