Willie Charles Simmons

Willie “Capt. Charles” Charles Simmons, age 88, of Corpus Christi, Texas, entered eternal rest on April 28, 2026. He was born on August 8, 1937, in Pike County, Alabama, to the late LJ Simmons and Alma Lee Adams. He attended school in Banks, Alabama.

Willie spent much of his life working as a Gulf shrimper with Casterline Fish Company, where he earned a reputation as a dedicated and skilled worker. Later, he continued his career at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, retiring in 2003. Known as a hardworking provider and one of the top shrimpers in his field, Willie took great pride in everything he did. He lived by the principles of doing things the right way, letting his work and word speak for themselves, and never giving up—often reminding others, “Well, that’s how it goes sometimes. Don’t stop trying, learn from it.”

He had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, gardening, and working outside. He was also an avid fan of Dallas Cowboys football and Houston Astros baseball. Willie cherished traveling with his daughter Layovone, watching his grandson compete in track at both the collegiate and professional levels, and most of all, spending time with his family.

Some of the family’s most treasured memories include Willie watching his favorite westerns and laughing as if it were the first time he’d seen them, making skillet cornbread, baking peanuts, and creating special holiday traditions. His loved ones fondly remember fresh fruit, nuts, and oversized candy canes in their stockings, each child having their own nutcracker, and gathering together on the living room floor to watch shows like The Rifleman, Gunsmoke, and Hee Haw. In his retirement years, he enjoyed watching The Price Is Right, Let’s Make a Deal, and, of course, his beloved westerns.

He was known for being humble, organized, and a man who expected excellence. Above all, he was a devoted father, grandfather, and family man whose presence brought strength and stability to those around him.

Willie was preceded in death by his parents; his infant son, Richard Simmons; and his brother, Algie Lee Simmons Sr.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Linda Huff, Layovone Moreno (Robert), Lisa Simmons, Willie Simmons Jr. and Latasha Simmons , whom he shared with his former wife, Lizzie Jean Johnson; his siblings, Willie Roy Simmons and Alma Jean Thompson. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Willie’s legacy of hard work, love for family, and unwavering values will live on in all who knew and loved him.

He will be remembered at Memory Gardens Funeral Home & Cemetery, 8200 Old Brownsville Road, Corpus Christi, Texas 78415, with a Memorial Gathering on May 22, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, followed by a Memorial Service from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.