Born on Dec. 21, 1939, William Rice Simmons, more commonly referred to as Billy, was raised on Sullivan’s Island. Upon graduating from Murray Vocational School at 17, he enlisted in the Naval Reserve, where he served on a frequently moving ammunition ship, the USS Suribachi. After serving in destinations such as Cuba during the Bay of Pigs, as well as in the Mediterranean, Simmons received an honorable discharge from the Navy in February 1963 and returned to Charleston. Along the way, he fell in love and married Edith Teal. Together they raised two children, William “Bubba” Simmons Jr. and Marilyn Roakes.
Billy’s career began by building houses with his father-in-law, Benjamin Gulledge Teal. After a few years, the time had come to take over Simmons Seafood, the wholesale shrimping operation founded by his parents, L. Hughes and Ella Simmons. He transformed the business from a seasonal shrimping operation into a full-time retail company, while also growing the market for oysters.
Additionally, according to the Simmons family, “As managing partner of Snowwis Properties, Billy was instrumental in the expansion of public accessibility to Shem Creek through his involvement in the development of all three phases of Shem Creek Park.” They added that he was also a charter member of the Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant, a member of the Etiwan Masonic Lodge and the Optimist Club of James Island.
Further, Billy was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. “His work ethic and love for his family passed on through generations of the family,” the Simmons said. “By setting the foundation for a successful business in Simmons Seafood, he became a role model, teaching important lessons to his grandchildren and to the young men that were hired to work for him over the years. He helped shape their development into the adults they are today.”
On March 1, 2026, Billy passed away at home amongst family. He was 86 years old. He is preceded in death by his parents, L. Hughes and Ella Simmons and his brother, Lewis Hughes Simmons Jr. (Red).
Billy is survived by his wife, Edith Teal Simmons; his two children William “Bubba” Simmons Jr. and Marilyn Roakes; his siblings Carolyn Webb and Francis Simmons (Mary Lou); his grandchildren Jennifer Ackerman, D. Parker Davidson, S. Douglas McGee Jr., William Simmons III and Katelin Simmons; his great-grandchildren, Blythe Ackerman and Carrie Ackerman; and his great-great-grandchildren, Skyler and Bentley.
The funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 10, at LifePark Church in Mount Pleasant. The venue, which holds 400 people, was packed with standing room only. For the slideshow that was projected onto giant screens, Billy’s son Bubba said he made sure to have one of Billy’s favorite photos, the cover shot of Mount Pleasant Magazine’s May/June 2025 issue, included in the rotation.
Although Simmons is missed, his legacy lives on throughout this community that he helped build with service, work ethic and love.
By Sarah Rose
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