William Simmons Obituary

William Henry Simmons lll

Roswell, GA - William Henry Simmons, III (Bill) passed away peacefully at his home in Roswell, Georgia, on October 17, 2025, after a five-year struggle with Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Bill was born in Charleston, South Carolina, to Judge William Henry Simmons, Jr. and Elizabeth Cuttino Wilbur Simmons. Growing up in Hampton Park Terrace and Riverland Terrace, his childhood was filled with adventures along Charleston's parks, beaches, rivers, and marshes, forming his lifelong love of nature.

Bill was a graduate of James Island High School and Charleston Southern University, as well as a proud Marine. After marrying the love of his life, Joanne Olney, they settled down on James Island to raise their family. A few years later, Bill was transferred to Atlanta, Georgia, where they discovered Roswell, a picturesque small town nearby that offered everything they needed to build a life with their three children, and they called it home for over 50 years.

Bill was a successful businessman, but his work did not define him. He loved life, and everything he did, he did fully. While his passions were music, photography, and cultivating his gardens, he also enjoyed running, biking, camping, and scuba diving with Joanne and their children. When he retired, Bill took his love of photography to another level, becoming a Certified Professional Photographer specializing in dog and horse show events and competitions. His natural ability to capture the essence of his subjects soon earned him national recognition and awards. His images were published in numerous magazines and books and hung on the walls of owners and trainers across the country. Above all, Bill will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband and father whose presence left an indelible mark on their hearts and lives.

As Bill's illness progressed amid the outbreak of COVID-19, he began staying close to home and family. He found peace and comfort in tending his gardens, reading, walking in the park, caring for his Scottish Terriers, and visiting in the gazebo with loved ones. Throughout his illness, he continued to find gratitude and joy in life's simple pleasures.

Bill is survived by his partner in love and life, Joanne Olney Simmons, and his daughters, Pamela Lee Simmons and Marjorie Simmons Stephenson (Christopher). He was preceded in death by his son, Stewart Eric Simmons, in 1982. Bill is also survived by his sister, Judy Simmons Gordon, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Bill was cremated in Roswell, Georgia, and inurnment will be in the Simmons family plot at St. James Episcopal Church on James Island at a later date. Every life Bill touched, he made better. Whether it was a small kindness, a bright smile, a word of encouragement, a special photo, or a witty quip, love and joy followed him everywhere. This will be his legacy.

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