Henry Seiders Simms

Henry Seiders Simms passed away September 14, 2014 at the age of 96 after suffering a stroke. He was born on January 12, 1918 in Laredo, Texas to Emma and Louie Alexander Simms. In his teens he lived with his paternal grandparents in San Antonio and attended San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School (later known as Fox Tech) because of its vocational offerings. In the late 30’s he worked in Corpus Christi for Robinson Truck Lines. Using his high school vocational training as a basis, he became skilled in the use of the IBM accounting machines, the forerunner of computers, and mastered the complexity of setting the plugboard control panel. That experience resulted in a job offer and move to San Antonio. There he met and married Virginia Truex in 1944. He first worked for Brown Express and then as Vice-President and General Manager of Southern Transfer and Storage Company under the ownership of Harry Brown. In 1960 Mr. Brown wanted to retire and liquidate his assets and gave Henry permission to pursue options. Henry and other investors, principally Stewart C. Johnson, made the acquisition. In 1961 Southern Moving and Storage Company purchased 16 acres at 3232 PanAm Expressway where a warehouse was built. The company was the exclusive Mayflower Van Lines Agent. Then, as now, this building is known for its traditional Southern façade facing those driving north on I35 east of downtown. In 1981, the household goods moving division was sold and the remaining company was titled Southern Warehousing and Distribution. The final transition occurred in 1993 when Henry sold his interest and retired. However, he continued on as a board member and as corporate secretary he typed up each month’s minutes on his manual typewriter. Henry always spoke of his appreciation for the leadership of current owners: Courtney Johnson, Johnathan Walker & Hillary Conrey, and the growth of the company to include a sister company, SMS Logistics.

Virginia and Henry loved their life in San Antonio and put three children through the University of Texas and one through Rice University. Christ Lutheran Church of Alamo Heights was their church home where Henry served as Church Treasurer for many years. He became a member of the Downtown Lions Club 55 years ago and served as its President 1965-66. In later years, as Club Historian, his research proved that the Downtown Chapter was the oldest, continuously attended Lions Club in the world. With that proof, the club is now known as: The Founder Lions Club – The World’s Oldest Lions Club. He also documented the service and term highlights for each of the club presidents back to the first president in 1915. This club history formed the basis for his book, “You Wrote the Script”. Henry was named to the Founder Club Roll of Honor, and in 2012 he was named President Emeritus. In 2013 he was inducted into the Herb C. Petry, Jr. District 2-A2 Hall of Fame. Henry’s life was blessed with good health, wonderful experiences and many friends.

He is pre-deceased by Virginia, his wife of 65 years, his parents and his four siblings: Tom Simms, Louie Mussett, Lillian Simms, and Emmaline Mahoney. He is survived by his children: Dayton Simms (Jeryl) of San Antonio, Howard Simms (Debbie) of Austin, Jeni Love (John) of Dallas, and Tom Simms (Ruth) of The Woodlands; grandchildren: Brian Love of Dallas, Kelly Love of Uvalde, Ashley Simms of Honolulu, Heather Simms of San Antonio, Hayley Spears (Monty) of Honolulu, Andrew Simms of San Antonio, and John Simms of The Woodlands. He always considered Elizabeth Kines Yost and Susan Kines McGinnis to be his children also. A special thanks goes to Jeryl Simms for the meals and “taxi service” she lovingly gave Henry after Virginia’s passing, which enabled him to remain in his home, and to Lioness Myra Fisher for her friendship.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 18 at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway. Private graveside services will be held at Sunset Memorial Park. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 19 at Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo Heights.

In lieu of flowers you may make a donation to the San Antonio Founder Lions Club, PO Box 593008, SA, TX 78259 to support their charity work for the blind and disabled or a charity of your choice.