William Edmund Simmons, 83, of Riverview, Florida passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2011. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Mr. Simmons had been a local resident since 1988 after returning here from the Marshall Islands. At the age of 16, Mr. Simmons enlisted in the Merchant Marine and proudly served during WW II. He was very active with the American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum in Tampa, and was voted "Volunteer of the Year for 2001". Mr. Simmons enjoyed carpentry, electronics, assisting in the restoration of the S.S. American Victory, and spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be private, memorial donations may be made in his honor to, American Victory Ship Mariners Memorial Museum, 705 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL. 33602