Fort Smith Police Department, Arkansas
End of Watch Friday, April 18, 1986
Add to My HeroesBilly Wayne Simms
Patrolman Simms was struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Rogers Avenue near Barling at 2055 hours. He was on patrol when he stopped to assist a disabled motorist. He had activated his emergency lights and walked across the street to the car. When he finished with the motorist he was walking back to his patrol car when a car struck him. He was knocked into the path of another car and was killed instantly.
Patrolman Simms had been with the agency for over two years and was survived by his wife, daughter, son, mother and sister.
Bio
- Age 39
- Tour 2 years, 6 months
- Badge 1
Incident Details
- Cause Struck by vehicle
Most Recent Reflection
View all 20 ReflectionsTO: 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
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