W.F. Simms

Funeral services for W.F. Simms, age 75, of Centerville were held Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the Walters Funeral Home Chapel in Centerville. Rev. Herman D. West officiated the service. Burial was in the Hopewell Church Cemetery in east Leon County. Walters Funeral Home (www.waltersfuneralhome. com) was in charge of arrangements.

W.F. Simms was born September 18, 1934 in Leon County to Larthard Simms and Allie Handsborough Simms. He received his high school diploma from Douglas High School. He was a lifelong resident of Leon County and was self-employed doing a variety of work including mechanic work. Mr. Simms joined the Hopewell Baptist Church and served as an appending Deacon. He assisted in efforts to improve the church facilities including the arrangement of the survey for the new addition to the cemetery. Mr. Simms passed away suddenly on December 17, 2009 in Madisonville. His memory will be cherished by those family and friends who survive him.

Among those survivors are his sons, LaDale Simms (Sherry) and Jerriett Simms (Trish); daughters, Derenda Durham (General) and Helena Simms; the mother of his children, Flora Lawrence; six grandsons, General Durham, Jr., Kenneth Durham, Jerriett “Little J” Simms, Jr., Carlos Besses, Dale Anthony Simms and Deon Simms; a sister, Faye Nola West and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceding Mr. Simms in death were his parents; special friend and companion, Clara Mae Cannon; son, Marale Simms; sister, Beauty Bell “Bea” Phillips and brother, Ray “Bubba” Lusk.

Serving as pallbearers were (active pallbearers) Richard Pace, Owen Dean Kornegay, Frettia Young, Fred scott, Ordry Johnson, Jonas James Powell, John Johnson and Goree Johnson and (honorary pallbearers) Thad Cobbs, Eddie Phillips, Gerald Stanfield, Jacob Long, R.V. West, General Durham, Arthur L. Dunbar and Jack Johnson.