William Rice Simmons

William Rice Simmons, 86, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, passed away at home amongst family on Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Born on December 21, 1939, in Charleston, SC, he was the son of the late L. Hugh and Ella Taylor Simmons.

William, more commonly referred to as Billy, grew up on Sullivan’s Island, graduated from Murray Vocational School and then enlisted in the Naval reserves at 17, where he served on the USS Suribachi. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in February of 1963, he started building houses with his father-in-law, Benjamin Gulledge Teal. Years later he went back to his roots and took the reigns of Simmons Seafood. As managing partner of Snowwis Properties, he 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. He was a charter member of The Rotary Club of Mount Pleasant, a member of the Etiwan Masonic Lodge and the Optimist Club of James Island.

Billy 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. (Elaine) 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, Katelin Simmons, his great-grand children Blythe Ackerman and Carrie Ackerman, and his great-great-grand children, Skyler and Bentley.

Billy Simmons was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. His work ethic and love for his family was passed on through generations of the Simmons family. He set the foundation for a successful business in Simmons Seafood, and was a role model for 4 generations of children. His presence and influence on the younger generations were as powerful as his love for his family. The lessons he taught to not only his grandchildren, but to the young men that were hired to work for him over the years, were crucial in their development to become the men they are today.

The family will receive friends on Monday, March 9 from 5-7pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464.

The funeral service will be held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, March 10 at LifePark Church, 1151 George Browder Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29466.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road Mount Pleasant, SC 29464, 843-884-3833.