Albert Myles Simmons

Albert Myles Simmons, 81, was born in San Antonio on May 11, 1941, to Thurman Simmons and Alice Grona Simmons. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shelia Pearce Simmons, his brother, Carl Simmons and was predeceased by his brother, Thurman Simmons. He died on September 28 as a result of Alzheimer’s disease.

Al grew up in West Texas where his father was a farmer and went to school in Fort Stockton and later in Vega. He went to Texas A&M University and graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1966. His mother died when he was 15 of cancer and his father passed away on Thanksgiving while Al was a freshman at A&M. His uncle cosigned a loan so he could continue at A&M. While at A&M, he served as Squadron 5 Commander, Corps Staff, and was a member of the Ross Volunteers. Al was awarded the College of Architecture Outstanding Alumnus Award in 2002.

After graduation from A&M, he fulfilled he commitment to the US Air Force and was stationed at Bergstrom AFB. Later he was sent to South Korea, after the North Koreans captured the USS Pueblo, and served with the elite Red Horse Construction group. Later he returned to Bergstrom AFB to finish his military commitment. Thereafter, he enrolled at UT Austin and received his Master’s degree in Community and Regional Planning.

He began his architectural career with a leading architectural firm, Brooks, Barr, Graeber, and White. Later the firm was purchased by 3D International. Eventually, Al, along with Tommy Cowan and David Graeber, formed their own firm known as Graeber, Simmons, and Cowan and it eventually evolved into GSC Architects. During his career, his work included the LBJ Library, projects at UT Austin, Texas A&M University, Southwest Texas University, St. David’s Hospital, various projects in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, Motorola, Applied Materials, Advanced Micro Devices and other educational, medical and semiconductor facilities. His mission was to always provide the best solutions and services to his clients. He was a lifelong member of the American Institute of Architects.

Al served on the Dean’s Council of the College of Architecture at Texas A&M and was also a member of the Development Council of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. After purchasing Jaguar XKE automobiles, Al and his wife, Shelia, founded the Jaguar Club of Austin in 1947. The purpose of the club was to have events, learn how to work on their cars and secure spares. Many friends today were part of this great organization. During this period, they purchased a 1937 Jaguar SS100 and spent 25 years and many trips to England to restore this rare car. Along the way, they met many people who became lifelong friends. After his retirement, Al and Shelia traveled to Italy, Africa, England, Hong Kong, Alaska, Europe and many other places. Al was a skier and there were few mountains he didn’t want to conquer. Some of his best times were with his ski buddies in Aspen. He was a member of the Austin Skiers and took as many trips as possible.

There was never a time when the Simmons house was without a dog. Most were shelter dogs and then in 1995 they got their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Eventually, they would fill their days doing rescue for the breed and traveling far and wide to take a Cavalier into the national breed rescue program. Not only did they rescue the dogs but also made some of the best friends ever.

The family would like to thank his doctors, Dr. David Vo and Dr. Thomas McMinn. In addition, we would like to thank the excellent staff at Arden Court during his brief stay there. Family and friends have been so supportive and helpful during this journey with Alzheimer’s, and we are forever grateful.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 2, at 1:30 pm at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive. A reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to any of the following:

Texas A&M Foundation, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840 and specify the donation in memory of Al Simmons for the College of Architecture.

AGE – Austin Groups of the Elderly, 3710 Cedar Street, Austin, TX 78705