William Duncan Simmons

William Duncan Simmons of Houston, Texas passed away on Saturday, the 8th of May 2021, at the age of 85. After several months of declining health, Duncan died peacefully with his beloved wife, Alice and his children by his side.

Duncan was born in Houston, Texas on the 30th of November 1935, to father, Charles Duncan Simmons and mother, Emma Louise Simmons. Duncan was one of six children, and the eldest son. Duncan attended Lamar High School, played football for the 1953 Lamar Redskins State Championship Team where he graduated in 1954. Upon graduation, Duncan attended Wharton Jr. College and then Sam Houston University, where he graduated with a degree in business.

Upon graduation from college, Duncan began a long and successful career as an insurance adjustor. Duncan and his business partner, Tom Abercrombie started a multi-state independent insurance adjusting firm, and private investigation company. The two businessmen successfully grew the company to 23 offices in 5 states.

In 1962, Duncan married Nancy Nalley and they had four amazing children. Although they later divorced, they remained close. Duncan went on to marry Alice Simmons and they successfully navigated the challenges of stepfamily life.

Duncan planned well and was able to retire at the age of 62 at which point, he began a very successful art career. He was extremely talented and in acrylic, oil and watercolor. Duncan was passionate about art, and attended classes at The Glassell School of Art where he earned a Certificate of Achievement. He was the first Houstonian to win the International Watercolor Show. He went on to win two national shows as well. Duncan was a long-time member of the Houston Watercolor Society.

Duncan was also very active and involved in recovery with Alcoholics Anonymous and recently received his 54 year chip. Duncan’s door was always open and he helped and sponsored numerous men over the years.

Duncan was a people person. People energized him. He especially loved spending time with his children and other family members.

Duncan was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Charline Walker. He is survived by his wife Alice Simmons; children Holly Nan Robideau and husband Mike, Walter Duncan Simmons, Richard Hobson Simmons and wife Shannon and Susannah Virginia Griffin; grandchildren Rachael Eckert, Alexandra Morris, Victoria Robideau, Nicholas Simmons, Jaycob Simmons, Cole Warren Stratulate, Edgar Clay Griffin III and Lillian Simone Griffin; great grandchildren Collin Eckert, Jacob Eckert, Dylan Eckert, Ender Simmons, Shephard Simmons, Luden Simmons, Lyra Simmons and Conan Simmons. He is also survived by his siblings Dick Simmons, Don Simmons, Doug Simmons and Sue Swanson along with their spouses and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration in honor of the life of William Duncan Simmons is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 20th of May, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

The interment service will follow the reception at three o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 20th of May, via an escorted cortege at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family request with gratitude that memorial contributions in his name be directed to Watercolor Art Society-Houston, 1601 West Alabama Street, Houston, TX 77006 or online at www.watercolorhouston.org.