Pastor Robert Gene Simmons

Robert Gene Simmons, the first-born son, and second child, of E. V. and Sallie Weaver Simmons, entered into this world on June 19, 1928, in Omaha, Texas. When he was a small boy, his family moved to Bristol, Texas. That is where he forged indelible memories that he held ever close to his heart, developed a progressively inquisitive nature, and formed childhood friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Believing the message of salvation he had been taught, Robert invited Jesus into his life while still a child. He united with Zion Chapel Baptist Church, in Bristol Texas, and was baptized by the late Reverend Harold Fredericks. After the founding of Weaver Chapel Baptist Church, he and his family transferred their membership there, and served under the pastorate of the late Reverend S. A. Armstrong. After moving to Dallas, Texas, Mr. Simmons found young love, and married Margie Nell Smith. Born to this union were: Robert, Jr., David, Donnie, and Debra. Later in life, he was blessed with a second love, Waffus Warren, and another son, Wade. This union blossomed into a fifty-five-year love fest. Two of his sons were called to follow his spiritual footprint into the Gospel Ministry: Reverend Wade J. Simmons, Pastor of Divine Inspiration Baptist Church, and Reverend Donnie Simmons. Mr. Simmons was a man of many talents. He could build and fix almost anything. He enjoyed sharing his handiwork with others. An early hobby of repairing cars evolved into a career. He did not allow technology to leave him behind, but upgraded and/or replaced his computer as required. He was well-known for his melodic voice. In the early years, he formed a gospel singing group, along with his brother, called, "The Sons of Faith." They enjoyed widespread popularity. He attended several churches in Dallas, before uniting with Allen Chapel Baptist Church, where his faith was invigorated, and his spiritual awareness enlivened, under the leadership of the late Reverend J. R Allen. There he served in numerous capacities, including: Teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School, President of the Senior Choir, and President of the Brotherhood Ministry. While still in the "trial" phase to become a deacon of the church, he received his call into the Gospel Ministry. On November 11, 1962, Reverend Simmons preached his first sermon, entitled: "Awake, the Time is Now!" – St. Luke 19. After several years of preaching, prayer, guidance, and growth, Reverend Simmons was moved to start teaching a weekly bible class. After awhile, he informed the members of the class that he felt the Lord wanted them to organize a church; leading to the birth of the Living Testimony Baptist Church. On December 11, 1966, Pastor Simmons delivered the first formal message, entitled: "The True Church"–Matthew 16:13, launching a forty-five-year span of preaching and teaching powerful messages, as Pastor of the Living Testimony Baptist Church. He was blessed with twenty sons in the ministry, eleven of which are pastors. This scripture was a driving force in the life of Reverend Simmons. He believed it, taught it, and lived it. He furthered his studies at Southern Bible Institute, receiving a Diploma in Biblical Studies, and an Advanced Diploma in Theology. His knowledge and understanding of biblical truths were remarkable; his lesson plans were comprehensive; and his teaching and preaching style was memorable, painting a picture in the mind of the attentive listener. Pastor Simmons believed in reaching out and being involved locally, and in the universal body of Christ. "Tie yourself to an anchor, Sunday School, BTU, Prayer Meeting, and Bible Study; so you won't drift away," is what he taught the members. As he led by example, he was a member of the Dallas Baptist Ministers Union; a founding member of the Oak Cliff Baptist Ministers Union, where he served on the Doctrine Committee, and as longtime treasurer. He was a faithful attendee and supporter of the National Missionary Baptist Convention of America, Inc., and the National Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress. In 2004, in recognition of his contribution to the community, Pastor Simmons was inducted into the Elite News Religious Hall of Fame. On January 23, 2011, Pastor Simmons retired as Pastor of Living Testimony Baptist Church. On March 26, 2011, Living Testimony honored him with a special program of celebration and reflection. For his faithful service, the church designated him Pastor Emeritus. On April 9, 2011, his Sons in the Ministry travel from near and far to pay tribute with a benefit program. His sons are the Reverends: Billy Weaver, B. A. Simmons, the late A. C. Simmons, the late W. C. Simmons, Mason Hardy, Robert Bonner, Charles Gray, Wade J. Simmons, Christopher Willis, Terrance Johnson, Ricky Williams, Dudley Echols, the late Billy Allen, John Chisholm, Emery Burks, Richard Crew, Craig Lover, Joe Harris, Leroy Thomas, and Keonte Brooks. Pastor Simmons answered the call on November 3, 2011, to enter into eternal joy. Preceding him in death were his parents: Rev. E. V. Simmons and Sallie Weaver Simmons; Sons: Robert Simmons, Jr. and David Earl Simmons; brothers: Rev. Armon E.C. Simmons and Rev. Walter C. Simmons; Sisters: Infant Gloria Simmons, Erma Simmons Prince, Effie C. Simmons Green, Alfreda Simmons Strickland. Those left to cherish his memory, and whom he hopes to see in glory, are his faithful, loving, and beloved wife of 55 years, Waffus Warren Simmons; Sons: Rev. Wade J. Simmons (Yvette) of Dallas, TX, Rev. Donnie Simmons (Mary) of Houston Texas; daughter: Debra Simmons Wiggins (Robert) of Houston, TX; Beloved Grandchildren; Brothers: Rev. Bobby A. Simmons (Etta), Thomas Richardson of Dallas Texas, and Louis Boyd (Ramona) of Ferris, TX; Sisters: Morene Simmons Darden, Gladys Simmons Carson of Dallas, TX, and Diana Richardson Clay (Henderson) of Conway, AK; a beautiful bouquet of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a host of friends.