Mr. Bobby Joe Simmons

Bobby Joe Simmons, an honorable man of enduring faith, a proud U.S. Army veteran, and well-respected retired principal within the Dallas Independent School District (DISD), passed away on December 8, 2025 at the age of ninety-one (91). He will be remembered for his devotion to God, his dedication to education, his service to country, and a love for showcasing his singing talents.

Born on February 13, 1934 in Greenville, Texas, to Willie Alice Simmons Woodard (mother) and Sander L. Simmons (father), Bobby moved to Fort Worth, Texas at a very young age. After graduating I. M. Terrell High School, he attended Jarvis Christian College on a four (4) year scholarship. During his tenure there, he was a member of the Jarvis Christian College Choir and served as its baritone soloist. In 1955, Bobby represented Jarvis Christian College at the Dallas State Fair of Texas Negro Achievement Day in the Young Artist Vocal Contest where he competed against other college participants. As the 1st place winner, he received a monetary award and an opportunity to perform with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. In 1956, Bobby graduated from Jarvis Christian College with a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Biology and minoring in Voice and Chemistry. After college, he was drafted to the Army of the United States. During his tour of duty, he entertained the troops overseas in Switzerland and Germany as a member and song writer of the Four Marks Quartet singing group. Upon completing two years of service with an Honorable Discharge, he later volunteered for active reserve duty. Bobby was hired as a teacher of the Dallas Independent School District in 1960 at Thomas C. Hassell Elementary School. Two weeks into the school year, his army reserve unit was call back to duty and he ultimately served as a Specialist Five (E5 – Medical Specialist). Upon returning from his second tour in 1961, he was assigned to teach at Roger Q. Mill Elementary School. In 1968, he received his Master of Education degree in supervision at Prairie A & M University. In 1970, he was assigned an administrative intern at L. L. Hotchkiss Elementary School. In 1971, he was assigned as the principal of Henry W. Longfellow Elementary School. This assignment entitled him as the first African American DISD principal in the North Dallas area. In 1977, Bobby was transferred to Birdie Alexander Elementary School where he remained the principal until retiring in 1990.

Outside of his professional life, Bobby possessed a true gift for music and cherished every opportunity to share his singing talents with others. He served as President of the Smith Concertette, a vocal group that gave over $12,000 to DISD students pursuing a career in the field of fine arts. In 1989, the group was presented the Juanita Craft Award in Fine Arts. In addition, Bobby was a member of the South Dallas Concert Choir who has performed at numerous events to include the National Negro Spiritual Concert held in Shreveport, Louisiana. Some of his other affiliations include the Adlee Trezevant Memorial Choir of Fort Worth, Tx, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), Dallas School Administrators Association (DSAA), Boy Scouts of America (Scouting Coordinator), Phi Delta Kappa, and Phi Beta Sigma, Inc.

Bobby accepted Christ at an early age. During his early childhood, he was a faithful member of the Sunshine Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth, Texas. He later moved his membership to Faith Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas. In the mid-70s, Bobby joined Smith Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he served as a dedicated Trustee. He was also a committed member of the Senior/Mass Choirs and Male Chorus. In addition, Bobby participated in other church activities that focused on serving others.

Bobby is survived by his spouse Ruthie Simmons; children: Sandra Williams, Bobby Simmons Jr., Anthony Simmons (Edna), and Timothy Simmons; step sister, Alice Miller (Melvin), half-sister, Jeanetta West, half-brother Luther Simmons (Robin); 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, step-mother (Louise Simmons); sister (Vacie Parker); half-brothers (Darryl and Paul Simmons); step-brother (Ronald Phillip).