Billy "B.J." Simmons

June 14, 1933 — March 20, 2015

Marion-Billy Junior “B.J.” Simmons, 81, quietly departed this life at approximately 8am on Friday, March 20, 2015 at his home. B.J. was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1933 in Johnston City to William E. and Opal (Poteete) Simmons. He married Sharon Dettmer in 1959 and together they shared 56 years of marriage. B.J. proudly enlisted and served his country in the United States Coast Guard from 1952-1956. He worked as a truck driver for Railway Express, U.S. Postal Service and retired in 1995 from hauling mail between Carbondale and St. Louis for Tri-State Construction Co. B.J. was a lifetime member of the American Legion, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Buccaneer’s Club and the Oleo Quail Hunting Club. He enjoyed rebuilding his cabin and fishing at Pleasant Valley, golfing with his closest lifelong friend, J.W. “Dubber” Durham and spending time with friends and family. B.J. leaves behind his many friends at the American Legion Post 147, where he served at Commander and Club Manger in his younger days. He was a proud supporter of our veterans. Survivors include his wife, Sharon; daughter, Natalie and son in law Bob JR Sutton; two granddaughters, Amber Kever and husband Mike of Nashville, TN and Crystal Knepler of Mesquite, TX; two great grandchildren, Kate Sofia and Jackson Cole Kever. He is also survived by his sister, Nancy and husband Melvin Hill of Herrin; sister in law, Helen and husband J.D. Linck of Sun City, AZ and sister in law, Luetta and husband Donald Broeking of Marion along with several nieces and nephews he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Leon and three sisters, Edna Hunt, Florence Jones and Dorothy Neideffer. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2015 at 11am at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Military Rites will be performed at noon by the Marion VFW Post 1301 with assistance from the US Coast Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Legion Scholarship Fund-B.J. Simmons to help students with education costs or to Hospice of Southern Illinois to help loved ones be at home with their families and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court St/ Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com

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Billy "B.J." Simmons

June 14, 1933 — March 20, 2015

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