Christmas dinner was also a memorable treat. “Mom raised chickens and we always had chicken, dressing and dumplings. We butchered hogs at least twice a year and dad cured his own hams and shoulders, and we had fresh tenderloin, and pork roasts. We raised a big garden and mom canned all the vegetables we could raise. And she cooked all that on a wood cook stove. Even though it was just after the depression, and even during World War II, we always had plenty. You can do that when you raise everything yourself,” Bill said recently.

The Simmons family finally got electricity around 1945 and Bill’s parents got their first refrigerator and stove and soon after, a big chest freezer. But it was not until high school that Bill, James Robert and Kenneth got school bus service. Until that time, the boys walked to school, around three miles. A creek separated their home from the road to Temple Hill and in the winter, when the creek was full and their dad couldn’t get the car across the creek, the boys waded snow. “I guess we looked kind of funny going into the classroom with our overalls wet to the knees but we never gave it a thought.”

Faith was a big part of their upbringing and the family attended the Poplar Springs Baptist Church.

Bill got his first job with J.C. Penney in Glasgow as a teenager. It was to lead to a lifelong career that took him all over the southeast to places like Florida, Alabama and Louisiana. He became a highly respected store manager who was adept in opening new stores. One of his fondest memories is of the many friends he made in Houma, La., where he managed a store until the end of his career.

That’s when he and his wife, Hallie Cloyd Simmons, moved back to Glasgow. They were married in 1950.

They are the parents of five children. Their more recent Christmas memories surround holidays with their own children and grandchildren. His son Steve recently visited from Florida and helped him decorate for the holidays.

Bill’s father passed away in 1984 and his mother in 1998. But the Simmons children, all of whom survive, are still a close-knit group. They reunite often, sometimes for family fish frys since some of the boys including Bill and Danny, are dedicated fishermen.

As for Bill, he has spent the last several months battling cancer. But his faith in God sustains him. He often gives his testimony to others and he believes God is working miracles in him every day. “I am praying for complete healing but if that’s not his will, I know God has a plan for me and I will gladly accept whatever that plan may be.”

Cancer treatments and a recent foot injury have slowed Bill down a bit, but not much. He raised a big garden this year, did a lot of canning and still had time to fish some. “I’ve always been an active person. My parents taught me the value of work. I intend to do just that for as long as possible.”

Right now, Bill and Hallie are planning for Christmas and a time to make more memories with their own children and with their extended families.

Joel Wilson can be reached by e-mail at afwilson@glasgow-ky.com.