Willis "Dennis" Lee Simmons

He was born in West Monroe, LA, on November 8, 1949, the son of A.L. and Clovis (Johnson) Simmons.

Willis attended Central High School in Calhoun, LA. He went on to work as a special education teacher in IL. Willis later retired from ARC, now known as SPARC, as well as an international cleaning company with Sears. He enjoyed sports, watching football, politics, music, playing the guitar, and going for walks.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Moses, James Thomas, Aubrey Lee Simmons, and James Simmons; and sister, Easter M. Thomas.

Willis is survived by children, Tracy R. (Tracy Williams) Simmons of Springfield, Hope S. Simmons of Belleville, Michael (Tracy Samantha) Simmons of Springfield, Thilatha Drew of Springfield, and Denzel Drew of Springfield; siblings, Anne Allen (Vertis) Johnson, Margaret (Mack, deceased) Johnson of Boynton Beach, FL, Christopher Simmons of Las Vegas, NV, Wilbur L. (Patricia, deceased) Simmons of Columbus, GA, Betty Jo (Tyrone) McGee of Maricopa, AZ, Edna Faye Simmons of Las Vegas, NV, Myrtis Marshall (Donald Ray) of Las Vegas, NV, Glenda (Stanley) Harris of Las Vegas, NV, Barbara L. Johnson of Loxahatchee, FL, Alvin Simmons of Houston, TX, Delores Simmons of Houston, TX, Leo Brown of Houston, TX, and Rosa Simmons of Campit, LA; a host of grandchildren; special friend, Cindie Marie Kelly; and friend and neighbor, Ray Roy.

Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, September, 28 2024, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A Funeral Ceremony will follow at 4:30 p.m. with Pastor Joseph “CJ” Liddell officiating.

Burial will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery with military honors provided by the Department of Defense and the Interveterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.