Willis Simmons Iii

Simmons, Willis B. "Semi", age 68, a resident of Baton Rouge, passed away on April 1, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Billy ("Semi" "Sims") was born and raised in Baton Rouge. He was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School where he was a beloved student manager for the Bulldog football team. After graduation from Baton Rouge High, Billy attended LSU, receiving a scholarship as a student trainer for the LSU athletic teams. Billy received a varsity letter as a football trainer and was a proud member of the "L" Club. After graduation from LSU, Billy continued to pursue a career as an athletic trainer. He worked in The Montreal Expos organization, and became the head trainer for the Expo's Triple A Peninsula Whips. After leaving the Expo's organization, Billy traveled Europe as the head trainer for Olimpia Melano of the European Basketball Association. In the late 1970's, Billy sought a career change and returned to Baton Rouge and entered the commercial construction business, starting as an estimator. Billy ultimately obtained his license as a commercial contractor and remained active in commercial construction in Baton Rouge until forced to retire by his illness.

Billy is survived by his still thoughtful and caring ex-wife, Lisa Lipsey, and by his loving and devoted uncle, Ellis Michael, and his "favorite" Aunt Cynthia Michael. He is also survived by his dearest friends, Johnny Brantley and Andy Ezell.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Beatrice ("BeBe"); his father, Willis Sr.; and his brother, Stanley.

Visiting will take place at Resthaven Funeral Home on April 6, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. until services start at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow immediately thereafter at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Pallbearers will be Dr. John B. Brantley, Collis Temple, Jr., Mark Lumpkin, Daniel McKnight, Ellis Michael and Andy Ezell.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Alzheimer's Services of The Capital Area Institute for Dementia Research and Prevention at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Billy's name.

Billy, his family and friends wish to extend our sincerest thanks to The Haven at Windemere and to all of Billy's loving caretakers, particularly Stacy and Kelly, who were steadfast in their love and concern for Billy's comfort and wellbeing. We would also like to greatly thank Clarity Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Billy in the last days of his life. We wish also to thank Billy's Baton Rouge Bulldog football family for their lifelong love and respect for Billy, and for honoring his contributions to their lives. Finally, Billy's love for his LSU basketball brothers knew no end, and we wish to thank all of them for the love and friendship they gave throughout Billy's life.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to Billy or his family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.

Visitation

Visitation

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, April 6, 2017
10:00 am - 11:00 am

Service

Service

Resthaven Funeral Home
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816
Thursday, April 6, 2017
11:00 am

Cemetery

Resthaven Gardens of Memory
11817 Jefferson Highway
Baton Rouge, LA  70816