Clyde Simmons
Greenville Herald Banner
Thursday, Oct 5, 2006
Clyde Simmons was born April 7, 1920, to the union of William James and Daisy Rosebourgh Simmons. He was introduced to Christ at a young age and began serving as a member of the Church of the Living God until his health failed. A graduate of Greenville’s Booker T. Washington High School, Simmons went on to graduate from Tyler’s Texas College where he studied education and history and pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. He obtained a master’s degree from Texas Southern University in Houston. A veteran of World War II, he was honorably discharged from the Army as a sergeant in 1945. He married Bertha Marie Johnson of Marshall that same year. During the segregation era, Clyde and his bride were education pioneers and helped found Caddo Mills Elementary School. With his wife teaching by his side, Clyde led as principal until the late 1960s and then transferred to the Garland Independent School District. Integration brought with it wonderful opportunities for Clyde in the Garland ISD where he worked until his retirement in 1986. As a loyal lodge brother, Clyde traveled the world as Grand Director of the Grand United Order of Odd Fellows. Clyde suffered from vascular disease; and on the morning of Sept. 30, 2006, lost his battle and went to receive his heavenly rewards. Preceding him in death were his parents; his loving wife in June 2006; one grandson, Noah Michael Alexander; one brother, Hadley Simmons; and two sisters, Ecta Mae Raines and Atha Belle McDonald. Surviving are a sister, Mattie Lou Kyle of Chicago, Ill.; a brother, Bill Wright of Sachse; son Ricky Clyde and his son Tyler of Lincoln, Neb.; daughter Daisy Mechelle with husband Randy Alexander and their daughter Hannah Marie of Dallas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Friday at Church of Living God with Elder Merl Jones officiating. Burial will be at D/FW National Cemetery. Visitation is form 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Grace & Mercy Funeral Home.
Submitted by Elaine Nall Bay
