Dr. Earnest Calvin Simmons

Dr. Earnest Calvin Simmons became the joy and third son of Benjamin and Evelyn Simmons on May 10, 1945, in Brunswick, Georgia. On the morning of October 15, 2024, Earnest joined our Heavenly Father and became an angel to everyone he loves.

After completing Risley High School in 1963, he joined his siblings, Charles and Edith, in Albany, Georgia, and graduated cum laude from Albany State College (now Albany State University) in 1967, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and the honor of “Highest Ranking Student in Biology.” In 1964, Earnest pledged the Delta Delta chapter of his beloved Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., remaining a proud, financial, and contributing member for 60 years. He was also a member of the Beta Kappa Chi National Honor Scientific Society and the Alpha Omega Alpha National Honor Scientific Society. During his college years, Earnest received the Georgia Science and Technology Commission Award for Outstanding Student in Science, the Georgia Who’s Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities Award, and the Outstanding Young Men in America Award.

After graduating from Albany State College, Earnest moved to Washington, DC, where he taught math in a middle school. Shortly thereafter, he was drafted into the United States Army, where he became an Army Specialist – 5USA, served in Korea, and earned a Bachelor of Arts with an emphasis in Education. During his time in the Army, Earnest received a National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. In 1969, Earnest was discharged from the Army so that he could pursue an advanced degree.

Earnest returned to Washington, DC, to obtain a Master's Degree in Zoology from Howard University. While at Howard in 1974, he began dating Ursula Boyd. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Howard University College of Medicine in 1975 and married Ursula the following week. With her support, he completed his First Year of Family Practice Residency at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, and his Second and Third Years of Family Practice Residency at Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Immediately after medical school, Earnest became certified with the American Board of Family Medicine and maintained his board certifications well into his 70s. In our hearts and minds, Earnest was a true genius.

Earnest and Ursula welcomed their first child, Tameka “Meka” Nachelle, in 1977 while living in Washington, DC. In 1979, Earnest, Ursula, and Tameka moved to Marietta, Georgia, and two months later, Earnest Calvin II was born.

Upon returning to Georgia, Earnest started a family practice in his community, working nights to supplement finances and provide for his family as he and Ursula established his practice. Together, they built what was once noted as the “largest family practice in the Southeast region of the United States.” Earnest operated his practice with the love and support of his office manager and adopted daughter, LaSonya Griffie. He was steadfast in his commitment to maintaining his practice in a location accessible to underserved communities despite the long commute and numerous lucrative offers.

In addition to his academic achievements and awards, Earnest served on several boards, including the Joint Board of Family Practice for the State of Georgia, Advisory Board for Aetna – US Healthcare, Medical Advisory Board for Health Source PPI, Medical Advisory Board for Morgan Health Group, and the Board of Directors for Southwest Hospital and Medical Center. He was also a member of and served in many leadership positions in the American Medical Association, National Medical Association, Georgia State Medical Association, Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (aka the Grand Boule), Albany State University National Alumni Association, Howard University National Alumni Association, and was a Lifetime Member of the NAACP. Earnest was devoted to enriching and uplifting his community and remained committed to this calling throughout his life.

Earnest dedicated his time, talent, and resources to serving the community. He offered free physicals to children returning to school and participating in youth sports and intramural programs, provided scholarships to youth, and created and funded educational and enrichment programs. Most importantly, he gave to family, friends, and strangers without restraint or judgment, often personally sacrificing to do so.

Family, friendship, neighbor, and community were more than words for Earnest—they were the foundation of his ideals about responsibility, commitment, and dedication. Within and outside of his family, he always did his best to help when asked, assist those in need, and be a mentor and strong Black male model for boys and young men. He always sought to give and obtain the best medical care for those in need due to illness, never turning a patient away. Earnest also served as the president of the Washington Family Connection organization and continually spoke words of encouragement and advocated for family unity.

Earnest, a beacon of love and kindness, leaves a legacy exemplified by his commitment to education and learning that will continue to inspire and guide us. As we face the loss of his physical presence, we find solace in knowing that his spirit will live on forever in our hearts. He was a great provider, father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend who believed in always serving others.

In his final days, Earnest was surrounded in love and cared for by his dutiful wife, Ursula; daughter, Meka; son, Calvin; niece, Kelly; nephew, Antwon Little; cousin, Marilyn Reaves; LaSonya Griffie; his nieces, Mary Matthews, Kiara Matthews, and Victavier Matthews (and, Victoria Matthews, in spirit); and several friends who are family.

Earnest is preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Evelyn; and siblings, Delores Matthews; Benjamin, Jr. (Willa); and Charles (Robbie).

While a void exists in our earthly lives, Earnest will forever gladden our hearts. He will be missed by all who knew him and those who survive him, including his loving wife, Ursula; daughter, Tameka; son, Calvin; siblings, Edith (Marietta, Ga) and Larry (Brunswick, Ga); and a host of adopted children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren. Earnest knew and loved God and died at peace with God.