William (Willie) Painter Simmons of Fincastle died on April 1, 2025, at the age of 69.
Willie always said his three passions in life were his son, motorcycles, and woodturning. He followed those passions through the end of his life – he made sure to FaceTime with his son (and his granddogs) weekly, take motorcycle rides whenever the weather cooperated (and sometimes when it didn’t), and was spending much of his time post-retirement working in his shop on Botetourt Road in Fincastle.
Willie also loved traveling the U.S. and exploring beyond what most travelers do. He was proud of having visited all 50 states, including completing multiple cross-country trips, including on a bicycle, on a motorcycle, and in a car.
Willie was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Simmons; his parents, Pat and Bill Simmons; his “much older sister,” Monty Leitch; and his beloved dog Jasper, who Willie said was the best dog to ever live.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Hunter and Meredith Simmons of Indianapolis, Ind,. along with his granddogs, Fin and Sawyer, who would like to add that their grandpa was very good at throwing tennis balls and taking them out to harvest sticks.
Willie is also survived by many friends and extended family, including his sister, Patsy Dickerson and husband David; brother-in-law, Marshall Leitch; niece, Leeann Crews (Scott); nephews, Patrick Dickerson (Ariel), William Dickerson (Kyleen), and Allen Dickerson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Keep Fincastle Lit, your local animal shelter, or better yet, adopt a dog in his memory.
