Melvin Eugene Simms

Melvin entered the pearly gates of heaven on Thursday April 11, 2024 at the age of 86 years old, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Melvin being the oldest of ten children was responsible for caring for his younger siblings while his parents worked. Once Melvin was old enough, he left school in St John Colony in order to work. Melvin worked various job as a teenager to help provide for his family. Melvin had a great relationship with his parents and siblings but the bond between Melvin and his mother was very special.

While in St John Colony, Melvin and his family attended St John Regular Missionary Baptist church, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Melvin moved to Austin, Texas in search of stable work and pay. Melvin found just what he was searching for when he was hired by Nash Phillip Copus Construction Company. He was hired as a general laborer he worked in that capacity for a short period of time. Melvin caught the attention of Mr. Corpus. That was the beginning of a 52 year partnership with Melvin and the Copus family. Melvin began working at the Copus' home with various duties. Melvin was more than an employee he was family. After retirement, Melvin was still a very big part of their lives.

In 1959, Melvin married Alder Lee Henderson and to this union two children were born: Larry Eugene Simms Sr. and Paulette Michelle Simms. After seven years of marriage the pair divorced. Melvin then met his long-term companion Vera Marie Wilson. Melvin and Vera were together for many years until her death on April 18, 2020.

Melvin was a highly intelligent man, he may not have had much formal education, but he had common sense and wisdom. He could fix and repair almost anything and would do so with pride and perfection. For many years, Melvin had the most beautiful yard on his street until his health started to decline. He took pride in his appearance from head to toe he was dressed to impress, with his signature "fisherman hats". He had a good heart, an awesome sense of humor. He was a man of few words so when he spoke people would definitely listen. He was very independent, strong willed, God fearing and genuine.

Melvin had several hobbies the one recreational hobby that comes to mind other than football, fishing, building and barbequing was his love for the game of pool. He was a great pool player in the earlier years he traveled from Austin, Texas to other surrounding cities to play in pool tournaments. Melvin was well known in his community by the old and the young; he was respectfully referred to as “Mr. Melvin”.

Melvin was a great dad, he was referred to by his children as dad, pops or daddy. He wore those titles well. He loved each and every one of his children. He had a special relationship with each one. He was there when and if he was needed, regardless of the capacity. He loved and supported his children. He regretted not raising all of his children together, but when he needed his children together all of them came together to care for the man who cared for them. Until the day God called him home.

Melvin's legacy lives on in the lives of his seven children: Gregory Keath. Harris, (son) (Susie) of San Antonio, Texas, Larry Eugene Simms Sr, (son) of Killeen, Texas, Richard Eugene Howard (son) of Austin, Texas, Paulette Michelle Simms,( daughter) of Austin, Texas, Janet Lynn Mcintosh-Jones, (daughter) (Lonnie) of Lockhart, Texas, Trent Eugene Roe, (son) (Yvette), and Lavon Rochelle Roe, (daughter) of Austin, Texas. Twenty-four (24) grandchildren, forty-three (43) great grandchildren, and one (1) great-great grandchild, Four (4) sisters all of Austin, Texas: Jo Earl Simms-Shields, Jennifer Elizabeth Simms-Perkins, Tiny Marie Simms-Woodard (Nathaniel) and Charlene Simms-Jackson, Three (3) brothers all of Austin, Texas: Charles Everett Simms, Louis Abraham Simms and Quinton Ray Simms (Theresa). A host of loved ones and friends too numerous to name.

A visitation for Melvin will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fuller Sheffield Funeral Services, 2808 E Martin Luther King Jr, Austin, TX 78702. A funeral service will occur Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church, 2215 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78702. A graveside will occur Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM at Evergreen Cemetery, Austin, Austin, TX 78721.