William Westerman Simmons, 90, of Salisbury, formerly of Severna Park, died on January 18, 2016 at Coastal Hospice on the Lake of natural causes.

He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa , on June 4, 1925, and raised there and in Colorado. He graduated from St. John's College in 1948 and married his wife Anne M. Simmons on February 23, 1951 at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, residing in Linstead-on-the-Severn for over 50 years. Bill and Anne moved to Mallard Landing in Salisbury in 2005.

As an engineer, sailor, businessman, and woodworker, dear Dads had a range of interests that allowed him to connect with those of all ages and backgrounds. During college he worked at Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids and after college he worked as an engineer's draftsman when all drawings were done by hand. He then joined his dear friend, and soon to be brother-in-law, Richard Hutchings at Fawcett Boat Supplies. They purchased the store with Coleman Dupont in the 1960s and turned it into the premier ship's chandlery in the mid-Atlantic. Bill served on The Board of Trustees of St. John's College and on the Board of Trustees of Farmer's National Bank (now BB&T). He was active in the Marine Distributors Association, Severn Sailing Association and was a long time member of the Annapolis Yacht Club and Gibson Island Club where he and Anne enjoyed many cruises with the Yacht squadron.

Bill had many hobbies. He learned a love of woodworking and tools from his father and a love of books and education from his mother. He read voraciously his entire life and his excitement was contagious. In addition to a love for sailing, he played golf into his 80's, and was an avid tennis player into his late 70's. Through it all, he looked out for the good times, and brought joy to all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne McKay Simmons, his parents, Mary Esther Ely and Haven Yocum Simmons, his brother Haven Ely Simmons, and his son William McKay Simmons.

Bill is survived by his daughter Deborah E. Fitzgerald, (Charles) of Severna Park, daughter-in-law Kathryn J. Simmons of Annapolis, grandchildren Anne E. Schneider (Zachary) of Edge-water, Thomas W. Simmons, (Carrie) of Annapolis, Kathryn L. Fitzgerald of Edgewater,
Jennifer M. Simmons of San Francisco, CA, and Alexandra S. Fitzgerald, of Columbus, OH, and great-grandchildren Hadley Simmons and Elizabeth Schneider.

Friends may visit at the Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Friday, February 5th, from 5 to 7 PM. A Memorial Service will be held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will be in the Church Columbarium.
A Memorial Service will also be held at Mallard Landing in Salisbury, MD on February 3, 2015.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Coastal Hospice on the Lake, PO Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733 or to St. John's College, 60 College Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com