Cornelius Simmons

Mr. Cornelius Simmons, affectionately known as “Bay” or “Bay City”, was born on January 21, 1951, to the late Ervin & Rosetta Simmons in Mobile, Alabama. He departed this life on June 21, 2024, peacefully at the VA Hospice in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 73.

The Simmons family moved to Dayton in 1966, after his father was transferred to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Cornelius graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Class of 1970. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1974, earning the National Defense Service Medal and recognition as a Marksman.

During his final years, Cornelius found comfort and camaraderie at Lyons Place II, a senior housing facility located on the Dayton VA Hospital campus. He cherished the friendships he formed and actively participated in community events, bringing his warmth and kindness to all those around him.

Cornelius was preceded in death by his father, Ervin Simmons, Sr; mother, Rosetta Simmons; son, Roe Ninoe Wright; brothers, Rosevelt Simmons, John Simmons, and Larry (Irene) Crenshaw; sister, Annie Bell Simmons; aunts, Littie (T.C.) Coleman, Carrie (Floyd) Smith, Lugretha Besteda; uncle, Sylvester Besteda, and bonus son, Stephen “Shun” Whitfield.

He leaves to celebrate his memory four sons, Shawntell Devon Benard, Sr. of Mobile, Alabama, Alfred ”Andrew” Simmons of Dayton, Ohio, Courtney Simmons of Atlantic City, New Jersey, and Marquis Mahaffey of Charlotte, North Carolina; a daughter, Merissa McCall of Texas; three brothers, Ervin (Amanda) Simmons Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, Andray (Janice) Simmons, and Charlie (Betty) Simmons, both of Miami, Florida; two devoted sisters, Littie Louise Barbee and Andrea Simmons both of Dayton Ohio; a bonus brother, Levi Smith; and four bonus children, Renita “Shan” Whitfield,  Angela Whitfield, both of Dayton, Ohio, LaShawnda (Almond) Dawson, of Phoenix, Arizona, and Anthony “Deion” Turner of Dayton, Ohio.

Later in life, Cornelius was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Shawntell Devon Benard Jr., Isaiah Jayvon Benard, Braylen Devon Benard all of Mobile, Alabama; Nala Simmons, Nyja Simmons, both of Montgomery, Alabama; Carter Simmons of Dayton, Ohio; Aiden McCall of Texas; Jay’den Sydnor, Roe Wright Jr., and Kapri Wright, all of New Jersey; and 1 great-grandchild, Jayden Turrnetine of Mobile, Alabama.

At the core of Cornelius’ life’s joy was his unwavering dedication to his family. Known affectionately as “Uncle Bay,” he was a constant source of encouragement and support to his nieces and nephews. His love knew no bounds, and his presence was a comforting beacon in their lives.

His legacy lives on in the hearts of his children, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, cousins, and all who were fortunate enough to call him family and friend.

Funeral service 11 am Friday, July 5, 2024, at House of Wheat Funeral Home, 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave, Dayton, OH. Visitation 9 am- 11 am. Family to receive friends 10 am- 11 am. Interment 10 am Monday, July 8, 2024, at Dayton National Cemetery.

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