Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

TO: Melissa Simms DeClue: I often visit this site and remember growing up with your Dad. Five, brand new little homes were built for returning veterans after WWII and we were lucky enough to have the Simms family as next door neighbors. My Dad and your Grandfather Arthur were close. We were all close, just like family. As I said in my original post, your Dad was 'outnumbered' on that little street by girls but he was so good natured about it all. Your Dad was one year younger than me and the same age as my sister, Jan. Here is a funny memory for you: Your Dad's family got new cellar put in and your Dad decided we'd run a neighborhood store out of that cellar. My Dad owned a small trucking company and the main thing he hauled was candy and gum -- so we were well supplied with merchandise to sell to the other neighbor kids. Your Dad was the 'boss' of the store and we girls helped. He named it BUD'S store. That kept us busy all one summer until we got tired of being tied down. haha.

We rode bikes, we played softball, tether ball, and we all went to Wheeler Elem. school together. He was 'protective' over his sister Peggy and also my sister and me. He was kind and GOOD even as a young boy.

I hope you and your family are doing well. As I get older, I cherish those childhood memories more. I keep in touch with Peggy. I am sorry I've never had the opportunity to meet you.

Blessings to you. Joann VanCuren Bell

Joann Bell
Childhood friend

January 30, 2021

Rest in peace Patrolman Simms.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 28, 2020

My sister and I grew up next door to Billy and his sister Peggy, on S.E, 26th street in Oklahoma City, Our Dads were both recent war veterans so we got our new little home at the same time. Billy was outnumbered by us girls but he really was like a brother to us. What a great and innocent time that was, growing up on that street, children of war vets. There was a park across the street and a fire station. We loved the summer time as we played softball or went swimming at the pool at Wheeler school. I recall our sadness when Billy and Peggy's dad died in a motorcycle accident. We were all so close.

I think of our great times back then, as kids enjoying life. Waiting on "Johnny the Ice Cream man' to come down the street so we could get our ice cream. Riding bicycles, just having a great time.

My sister and my I, along with our Mom, attended Billy's memorial service. It was so wonderful to see how well thought of he was. He was a great kid -- and it was easy to see he was a great man, a great husband and father.

I know he is still missed by everyone.

Joann VanCuren Bell
Childhood friend

February 18, 2020

Thank you for your service and protecting Arkansans. Our prayers are with you, your family and your fellow officers. God bless

Special Agent-in-Charge Diane Upchurch
FBI - Little Rock

April 18, 2017

Dear cousin Billy Wayne Simms 30 years you've been gone missing you still honoring you always your never forgotten love from your cousin Donna Kay never forget you love and miss you always xoxo I honor your memory always.

Donna Kay Strother
First cousin maternal side

December 15, 2016

I want to honor my first cousin thinking about you all these years you are never forgotten. You meant so much to me. Thank you for your service your mamas up there with you your sister has breast cancer. You are missed and loved and never forgotten. Xoxo your cousin Donna Kay

Donna Strother
First cousin

December 14, 2016

I worked the adjacent beat with you that night Billy. I was with you a few minutes before you were killed. I am so sorry what took place that night. You were the best of us. You cared so much for others and that ultimately led to the event that took your life. Helping a stalled motorist. Something most of us tried to avoid. I think of you often Billy and wish you great peace. Thank you for your example of how we all should have been. God Bless you Officer Simms.

Lance Langdon (Patrolman)
former Fort Smith Police Department

January 20, 2015

Patrolman Simms,
Sir, even though it has been over 27 years since your End of Watch you are still honored and remembered. I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Ft. Smith. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

May 9, 2013

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 23rd anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 29, 2009

Rest in Peace, Patrolman Simms. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

July 28, 2008

My Father! My Hero!

To all who have left reflections, THANK YOU! We remember the soldiers (my dad was in the navy and coast guard), but sometimes we forget those that are on the homefront-protecting right here, putting their lives on the line in our own backyards!

You are not forgotten. Daddy, I miss you, but you died helping someone. That is just who you were. I pray that I can honor your memory every day that I live. I hope in someway I am helping someone, and I am raising your grandchildren to do the same. I love you!

Melissa Simms-DeClue
Daughter

July 17, 2008

"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

November 20, 2007

I was off the night that Officer Simms paid the ultimate price. I did not know his family but my heart went out to them. I was also a reserve officer at that time and had worked wih Officer Simms many times. He was always easy going but very proffesional. I know that all who knew him and worked with him miss him. I know his family misses him the most. Rest in Peace Patrolman Billy Wayne Simms

Thomas Goins
Retired FSPD Dispatcher

May 19, 2007

21 years, but time has not diminished your sacrifice.
Lynn Kole
Washington State

April 18, 2007

Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice you gave to the City of Ft. Smith. Please watch over Officer Daniel Martinez , who went to join you on March 23, 2007. I know you’ll watch over everyone else during your shift in heaven.

anonymous
FSPD

March 28, 2007

God Bless - I will remember your family in my prayers, Siser of another slain officer.

March 24, 2007

Rest in peace brother. "Heroes live forever"

Detective
Fort Smith PD

July 26, 2006

It has been twenty years since the end of your watch. Thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother in blue and may God continue to bless you and your loved ones.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

April 18, 2006

god bless this officer's family..i was saddened to run across this page and see how many are killed..it needs to stop..god bless you all!

no rank..cheryl

August 1, 2005

04/01/04

Rest in peace sir. You will never be forgotton.

Captain Robert W Cannon, Ret.
Vermilion Co, Il. Sheriff's Dept.

April 1, 2004