Dr. William J. Simmons Jr., 66, of Kennewick, passed away on January 13, 2007. He fought a long and valiant battle with the complications of diabetes.

He will be sorely missed by his wife of 26 years, Becky; his step-children, Cheryl Ward and Jennifer Jeremy Thompson; his sister, Roxane Emmett Stewart; nephews, Dr. Jason Stewart and Eric Stewart; grandchildren, Hayllie Ward, Faith, Aedan and Keilan Thompson; father and mother-in law, Roger and Dot Kline; brothers-in-law Dennis Kline Laura and Terry Kline Gege; best friend, Herman Moya and many step-nieces and nephews.

Bill was born in New York City on December 29, 1940, spending his adolescence there as well as in Roanoke, Virginia and Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated from Fisk University and Meharry Medical College.

After completing his medical degree, he fulfilled his obligation to the United States military with the Coast Guard in Toppenish, serving in public health services. He also spent time as the medical doctor for Central Washington University before moving to Yakima.

While in Yakima, Bill served on city council and the school board, and was an active participant in the Lions Club. He was a physician in the emergency room at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital, where he met Becky. In 1979 he became chief of Kadlec Medical Center's emergency department in Richland and later also served as chief of Kadlec's minor emergency department. As his stamina declined he worked at Kania Clinic, Columbia Center Clinic and in private practice with Dr. Cole. He also worked at Kennewick General Hospital in the Emergency department. He was active in teaching Advanced Cardiac Life Support Glasses with the Red Cross.

Bill thoroughly enjoyed his time spent as team doctor for the Tri-City Chinook basketball team; one of his proudest moments was when the team gave him an autographed basketball. His great loves in life included his grandchildren, his dogs, chess and military history. He will be remembered as a kind, generous man who was well loved by his family, co-workers and patients alike. He was described by some as a ''teddy bear of a man.''

His family is very grateful to the staff of Tri-Cities Kidney Center, Richland Life Care and Kadlec Medical Center for all of their loving care as his health declined.

He is predeceased by his parents, Rev. Dr. William Simmons and Muriel Simmons.

A viewing will be held at Einan's Funeral Home, Richland, on Wednesday from 5-8 PM, followed by a memorial service Saturday, January 20, at 3 PM at Einan's. Private interment at Terrace Heights Memorial Park in Yakima will follow.