Willie Simons Jr.

Willie R. Simons of Medina, known to everyone as Sam, passed away on September 20, 2022, at the age of 74.  Sam was born at home on November 3, 1947, in Travis County to Willie Ray Simons and Helen Pruett Simons and he was the oldest of 5 children.

Sam served in the Army from 1969 – 1971, spending the majority of his service in Alaska, where he enjoyed nature’s beauty.   He later revisited Alaska on vacation with his family and experienced fishing, flying over glaciers and various outdoor adventures.

Sam began his career in 1973 with Bandera Electric Coop, where he continued to work for over 30 years until his retirement.

Sam was loved by all who knew him and had a passion for fishing, especially deep-sea fishing with his family.  He also enjoyed hunting with family and friends and helped to carry on the tradition of sausage making with his family.  Sam also enjoyed traveling and many outdoor activities with family and friends.  He had a deep connection to his family and was the driving force of the yearly Simons’ family reunions.  His skills were unmatched with the barbecue pit as family members gathered every year to enjoy the benefits of his BBQ.  Sam kept this tradition going for many years and will be greatly missed.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Stacie Preiss Simons.  Sam was a proud and loving father of 3 children.  Son Travis R. Simons, wife Melissa, of La Vernia, daughter Dana Simons Howard of Kerrville and son Zachary Simons of Medina.  Grandchildren include Kendra Howard, Perry Simons, Samantha Muecke, and William Muecke, wife Adrianna, and 2 great grandchildren, Wesley, and Walker.  Sam is also survived by his brother Tony Simons, wife Nancy, of Medina, brother Darrell Simons of San Antonio, and sister Annie Simons Simon, husband Rodney, of New Braunfels.  Sam also has numerous loving nieces and nephews, cousins, in-laws, all of whom will miss him dearly.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rex Simons, nephew Mason Simon and son-in-law Steven Howard.

Sam Simons will be honored at a “Celebration of Life” on Saturday, November 12, 2022, with a “Come and Go” from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a special memorial service at 1:00 p.m.  Friends and family are invited to gather at the ranch of his nephew, Michael Simons, located at 254 Megraw Street in Medina.  Shared memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared during this time.