Monday, February 24, 2020 12:00 PM
St. John Baptist Church
3404 West Beltline Boulevard Columbia, South Carolina 29203
EULOGIST
Pastor Travis J. Simons, M.Div.
The Potter’s House of North Dallas • Frisco, Texas
OFFICIATING Pastor Fleming O. McClinton
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Story
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L E G A C Y
Reverend Willie C. Simons, 69, was a native South Carolinian, born in Kershaw
County. He was the fifth son of Mr. Herbert Simons and Mrs. Hattie Roberson-Simons. He received his educational training in the Kershaw and Richland County schools and graduated from C.A. Johnson High School in Columbia, SC. During the Vietnam War, Rev. Simons served in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Korea. After his tour of duty, he returned to Columbia and resumed his position at the Allied Fibers/Honeywell Corporation of Irmo, SC where he retired after 31 years. Rev. Simons attended Columbia’s Midland Technical College. He completed the clinical pastoral education program at Richland Memorial Hospital. In 2005, Rev. Simons received a Bachelor of Arts degree in religion from Benedict College. As a young man, Rev. Simons became a member of Good Aim Baptist Church of Elgin, SC where his knowledge of the Lord and dedicated service increased. He served as Assistant Director of the Sunday school, Chairman of the Young Men’s Auxiliary, and a member of the Trustee Board until he embraced his calling to pastoral ministry on January 1, 1989. Thereafter, he served as pastor of the Broom Hill Baptist Church of Rembert, SC for 10 years. In March of 1999, he was called back to the Good Aim Baptist Church of Elgin, SC where he faithfully served the flock of God for 19 years. During Rev. Simons’ life, he spent much effort serving others. He volunteered at Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital. He was also a Youth Arbitrator at the Richland County Sheriff Department for 3 years. Outside of his pastoring role, he ministered as a team member of the Mt. Moriah Baptist Association and the Kershaw County clergy. During his free time, Rev. Simons enjoyed playing golf, making his famous punch bowl cake, fresh apple cake, and apple strudel. After a long day of yard work, you could find him relaxing by watching Gun Smoke. He was a devoted family man, survived by Patricia Dixon Simons, his loving wife of 47 years. Together, they raised two sons and one daughter: Neal Coryell (wife Claudia) Simons of Leesville, LA, Pastor Travis Jerrell (wife Nina) Simons of McKinney, TX, and Lauren Marie Simons of Hyattsville, MD. His legacy will live on through his ten grandchildren: Devay, Leila, Kameron, Darrell, Arianna, Annalina, Sydney, Isaiah, Mariah, and Mason. He was preceded in death by his father, Mr. Herbert Simons, and mother, Mrs. Hattie Roberson-Simons, as well as four sisters and six brothers. He is survived by his siblings Bernice Simons and Rudy Johnson of Washington D.C., Hattie Carolina, Joeretha Gibbs, Shirley Turner, Ruth Simons, Brother Terry Simons of Columbia South Carolina. He also had a special nephew Bruce Simons.
Worship THE ORDER OF
Prelude
Processional........................................................................................................................... Clergy and Family Final Viewing.........................................................................................Bostick and Tompkins Funeral Home Congregational Hymn
Old Testament Scripture Reading.................................................................................. Pastor Marion Bennett New Testament Scripture Reading.......................................................................................Dr. Jamey Graham Prayer of Comfort.......................................................................................................Pastor Sammie Simmons Song Remarks.........................................................................................................................Mr. Willie Washington Ms. Nancy Bradshaw Mr. and Mrs. Robert Thomas Acknowledgements Song Eulogy............................................................................................................... Pastor Travis J. Simons, M.Div. Recessional
with sincere Thanks
The family of Reverend Willie C. Simons wishes to express our sincere thanks and heartfelt appreciation for your many acts of love and kindness during this time of our great loss. Your concern has been a source of our strength and we are very grateful for the comfort you have extended to our family. May God bless each of you. A very special thanks is also extended to the medical professionals who provied excellent care for Reverend Simons
South Carolina Oncology • Columbia, SC
MD Anderson Cancer Center • Houston, TX MSA Hospice Care • Columbia, SC
A C T I V E
P A L L B E A R E R S
Neal Simons
Bruce Simons
Travis Simons
Phil George
Viticus Thomas
Tyler George
H O N O R A R Y
P A L L B E A R E R S
Marc Jeffrey
Chris Baker
I N T E R M E N T
Private Burial (family only) P R O F E S S I O N A L
S E R V I C E S
E N T R U S T E D
T O
Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home • 2930 Colonial Drive • Columbia, South Carolina 29203