Longtime Township History Teacher Passes Away

COURT HOUSE — William Simmons III, a longtime teacher in Middle Township schools, passed away Wed., March 21 after a battle with amyloidosis.
Simmons, a native of Baltimore, Md., was raised both Maryland as well as in Philadelphia, Pa.
A graduate of Grove City College, he majored in History and Social Studies. He later received his Master’s degree from Marygrove College.
His first job was as a teacher in Middle Township.
“He got his first job at the beach,” his sister, Carol van der Kieft of Wilmington, N.C. told the Herald. “He was pretty thrilled with himself.”
His first job at the beach grew into a career that spanned decades and touched the lives of many students.
“He was a private man,” said van der Kieft. “But it was interesting because he would always see people he knew. He seemed to know everybody.”
According to his sister, Simmons spent the majority of his career teaching Social Studies in the township’s middle school. He then moved to the high school where he taught History and Advanced Placement Government.
“He adored teaching politics,” said van der Kieft. “He was strict, but he also recognized when kids had ability.”
In spite of his illness Simmons remained in his classroom until this past December.
In his own words Simmons said, “I will always be glad that I chose a career as a teacher; it has been a wonderful life for me.”
In his time away from his classroom Simmons was an auto enthusiast as well as a world traveler.
In addition to his sister, Simmons is survived by his brother-in-law Mike van der Kieft of Wilmington, N.C., two nephews; Mike van der Kieft of N.H. and Todd van der Kieft and his wife Donna and grand nephew Dylan of Ore.
A memorial service will be held at Radzieta Funeral Home, 9 Hand Ave., Court House on Fri. March 30 at 6 p.m. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. A private burial will take place in Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main Street, Suite 2, Clarkson, Mich. 48346.