Dr. Theophlous "T.A." Aron Sims Sr.

March 17, 1938 — March 23, 2026

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21

Dr. Theophlous Aron Sims, Sr. — affectionately known as T.A. — was called home to his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 23, 2026, after a life lived fully, faithfully, and in devoted service to God, family, and community. Born on March 17, 1938, in Lodi, Texas, to Sammie Harper-Sims and Charles Edward Sims, T.A. Sims grew up to become one of the most respected and beloved figures in the history of Fort Worth, Texas.

A proud graduate of Texas Southern University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Dr. Sims built a distinguished career as a licensed pharmacist. In 1984, he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy Certification from the National Association of Retail Druggists. Alongside the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Dr. Nancy Jayne Wattley Sims — his partner in all things and also a registered pharmacist — They owned and operated Sims Enterprises which included a Pharmacy on Berry Street in Fort Worth for more than 30 years. As President of Sims Enterprises, Inc., he established the Sims Professional Center, which became a thriving incubator for small businesses and upcoming Doctors within the community. A pillar of economic strength in Fort Worth’s community.

In August of 1983, driven by a father’s love for his own children and a deep concern for every child in his community, Dr. Sims was elected to the Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Trustees. He would serve that board for more than 36 years — the longest tenure in FWISD history — representing District Four with tireless dedication. He served as Board President, Vice-President, and Secretary. In 2012, He made history as The First Black American Elected President of the Fort Worth Independent School District Board of Trustees. He originated the beloved Scholar Athlete Award program in 1984, a legacy that has encouraged thousands of student athletes across the district. In 1989, FWISD honored him with one of the greatest tributes a servant of children can receive: T.A. Sims Elementary School was named in his honor — a school that bears his name and reflects his spirit to this day.

Dr. Sims’ reach extended well beyond the school district. In 1984, he was appointed by the President of the United States to the National Institute of Health Sickle Cell Anemia Advisory Board — a distinction that reflected the national trust placed in this quiet giant from Fort Worth. In 2006, he was honored as a Living Legend by the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Foundation, which recognizes Tarrant County residents who have exemplified excellence in their vocation and provided great service to their community. He was a life member of the NAACP, a proud lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a past Vice President and life member of the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, a charter and founding member of the Campus Drive United Methodist Church, and a Disaster Pharmacist for Tarrant County. His numerous honors include the Fort Worth Black Achievers Award, the Quest for Success Award, the Personalities of the South Award, the Maroon and Grey Club Service Award, and the Eminent Man Outstanding Leadership Award.

Yet for all his remarkable public achievements, those who knew T.A. best knew that his greatest pride was his family. He always said that his success belonged to Nancy — his wife, his partner, and his foundation. Together they built not only businesses and institutions, but a home filled with love and laughter, faith and purpose.

Dr. Theophlous Aron Sims, Sr. is survived by his devoted wife, Dr. Nancy W. Sims; his son, Dr. T.A. Sims, Jr. (Amy); his daughters, Shannon Sims Alfred (Carl); and Stephanie Sims Sipho (Dameon); and four beautiful granddaughters who were the delight of his heart–Cara Ellyse Alfred, Carlynne Sanaa Alfred, Dekhota Rai Sipho and Dallyce Racquel Sipho; brother, William Lee Sims; aunt, Addie Mae Sims; niece, LeAnn Sims Person (Marc); brother in law, Leonard J. Wattley, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, all of whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sammie Lee Harper Sims and Charles Edward Sims.

Fort Worth will not see his like again. But in every child who walks the halls of T.A. Sims Elementary School, every scholar athlete who stands a little taller because of the award he created, and in every family that built a business in the community he loved — T.A. Sims lives on. He has heard the words he lived by. He has entered into the warm embrace of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Any Donations made in his honor please send to:

T.A Sims Foundation

4101 W. GreenOaks #305-127

Arlington, Texas 76016

OR

Zelle: [email protected]