William Samuel Simmons

William Samuel ""Sam"" Simmons was born on March 4, 1936, in Monroeville, Ala, to Betty Fountain Simmons and William Charles Simmons. He often shared memories of that tiny town, memories of camping and hunting wild turkeys in the woods with his father and cousins and friends. For all of his travels, Monroeville was always his home. Sam married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Yvette Morgan Simmons, in nearby Opelika, in 1958. She was at his side when he passed away unexpectedly on July 10, 2015.

A scientist by nature and by training, Sam spent a life in academics. He took a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. from Auburn University, followed by postdoc work in pharmacology with Penn State. He excelled in medical research at Burroughs Welcome in Durham, NC, worked with the EPA, and eventually moved his family of five to northern California and a career in environmental consulting. After ten years, Sam accepted a position with RJR and returned to NC with his wife. Soon after, he also accepted a new name. When his grandson was named after him, Sam became ""Big Sam"".

Sam was known for his work ethic and his integrity as well as his objective and analytical perspective. A natural athlete, he had a passion for tennis, playing well into his senior years. He had an enduring love of nature and wildlife. He never lost the sense of wonder and fascination that led him to a great diversity of interests, but the foundation of his life was a tireless and selfless devotion to his wife and his sons. He would often end a conversation with his sons with the words, ""how can I help you?""

Family reunions at Topsail Island were the most important time of year for him, and when Sam retired in 2003, his passion for research and love of family merged to become a relentless study of his own genealogy. That pursuit occupied his remaining years and yielded a rich tapestry of both factual information and intriguing possibilities.

Sam is survived by his wife, Yvette, sons Travis (and Kelly), Joel (Cal) and Todd, grandsons William Samuel Simmons II and Dalton DeFord, and brother Alexander Simmons (and Annette).

A memorial service is planned for 12 noon on Saturday, July 18, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Winston Salem, NC.

Memorials may be sent to St. Paul's Church, 520 Summit Street in Winston Salem 27101; Old Scotland Presbyterian Church, 315 Pecan Drive, Monroeville, AL 36460 or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com. (Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel)