Dr. Fred Flinn Simmons Jr.

1933 - 2022

Dr. Fred Flinn Simmons, Jr.

Dr. Fred Flinn Simmons, Jr., 89, died on Monday, December 12, 2022, at 7:34am of complications from Acute Myeloid Leukemia. His family was at his side as he died peacefully with U2's "Beautiful Day" playing in the background. He will be remembered as a true Renaissance man of the highest order.

A code of excellence drove him and the pursuit of a strong moral and ethical purpose defined him. He was truly one-of-a-kind. Fred, aka "Old Dog", as he was affectionately known, was born in Austin, Texas on July 14, 1933 to Dr. Fred and Narcille Simmons. He graduated from Lamar High School in Houston in 1952 and The University of Texas at Austin in 1954. Following in his Father and Aunt's footsteps, he received his D.D.S. degree from The University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston graduating in 1958. He then served on the faculty of the dental school becoming the "cool" professor with a unique perspective on life and philosophy with an emerging perspective on excellence, innovation and aesthetics. He was a natural in creating unique ways of engaging and connecting with students. When presenting clinical lectures he typically was wearing rock tee shirts (usually The Beatles) under his pressed white lab coat with Birkenstocks. Fred served as a faculty member and Chair of the Department of Operative Dentistry for most of his career. Concurrently, he shared a part-time private practice in Houston with his Father in West University then as a full-time sole practitioner in Meyerland until his retirement around his 75th birthday. Dr Simmons was a member of The Houston Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry and Board of Governors (President), American Academies of Operative and Restorative Dentistry (President of both) and was President of the Houston Chapter of The Academy of General Dentistry. He had the distinguished honor of serving as an Associate Faculty Member of the L. D. Pankey Institute in Boca Raton, Florida. He was voted Texas Dentist of the Year in 1982 and 1989.

To describe Fred as an avid sportsman would be an understatement of epic proportions. His passion ran deep in every pursuit he was enamored with. Some included sailing, fencing, tennis, rally car racing, hydroplane motorboat racing, field and target archery, marathon running, road cycling, telemark downhill and cross-country snow skiing, horsemanship, and training hunting dogs for field trial competition as well as bow hunting and bird hunting. Notable titles and records include: 2 World Records in Hydroplane Racing, 1955; Texas State Field Target Archery Champion, 1961-1963; National Field Archery Champion, 1960 (appearing in Sports Illustrated); Winner International Sports Car Rally, Montreal, Mexico, 1959; Boston Marathon, 1978-1979; Winner, State Masters Cycling Time Trial, 1987, Runner-up 1988; Top 3 Finisher National Masters Cycling Championship; Winner, Senior Games, 85+ Category, 2019, age of 84.

An enduring dedication to his beloved dogs could be described as nothing less than dutiful, faithful and disciplined. These highly trained working dogs and companions have afforded him local, state and national field trial titles. The friendships made in the "dog community" were some of his most cherished. Upon his retirement from dentistry, he volunteered for Kingdom Dog Ministry and shared his faith about how love and obedience can be taught through the eyes and ears of a dog. Fred's commitment to God and his faith were reflected in his scholarly approach and service to his church and others. He studied the Bible daily and taught Sunday school weekly at First Baptist Church in San Marcos and Second Baptist Church in Houston where he was also a deacon.

The love of his life was his loyal wife Sharyn of 63 years. They exchanged wedding vows in November 1959 in Houston after meeting at MD Anderson Hospital. They raised three children, Leslie, Stacy and Flinn, who passed away in June 2018. His son-in-law Robert Clayton has been a trusted cycling partner, hunting companion and friend for over 38 years. He also has five amazing grandchildren Paige, Will, Price, Paris and Ava. The couple shared a life in Houston and San Marcos spending leisure time at their homes on Lake Travis and Wimberley. The couple enjoyed a love of the outdoors and spent time camping, snow skiing and exploring many countries around the world. Sharyn always prioritized her family and during Fred's illness she provided constant support and companionship. The last three years have been especially trying as he endured complex treatments including 51 blood transfusions (he kept track, trying to set another World Record!!). Sadly, cancer was the ultimate thief of an epic man's life who lived it to the fullest. Even though he was 89, he had every intention of continuing to live as long and healthy a life as possible. He was a warrior and a fierce competitor and wanted nothing more but to continue his very active life with style. He will be forever missed but left a legacy of children, grandchildren, family, former students and friends who also share his passion for excellence, love for life, epic adventures and healthy living.

All are welcome to attend a Memorial service in his honor on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 1pm, First Baptist Church in San Marcos, Tx. Please consider making a donation in lieu of flowers to: MD Anderson Cancer Center www.gifts.mdanderson.org; First Baptist Church, 327 W. McCarty Lane, San Marcos, Tx. 78666 or UT Health Houston Dental Branch, PO Box 20268, Houston, Tx. 77025-9998 or giving.uth.edu/memorial.