Out let us all stand the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want he maketh me to lie down in Green Pastures he leadth me beside the Still Waters he restoreth my soul he leadth me in Paths of righteousness for his name’s sake yay though I walk through the
Valley of the shadow of of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me thy rod and thy staff they comfort me thou preparest a table before me the presence of my enemies thou anointest my head with oil my cup runneth over surely goodness and mercy shall
Follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help my Help Cometh From The Lord which made Heaven and Earth he will not suffer thy foot to be moved he that keepeth thee will not Slumber behold he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor
Sleep The Lord Is Thy keeper The Lord Is Thy shade upon thy right hand the sun shall not smite thee by day nor the Moon by Night the Lord shall preserve thee from all evil he shall preserve thy Soul the Lord shall preserve thee from all evil he shall preserve thy Soul the
Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth and even forever more let not your heart be troubled you believe in God believe also in Me In My Father’s House of many mansions if it were not so I would have told you I go
There to prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye may be also whether I go ye know and the way ye know Thomas Sith unto him Lord we know not
Whether thou goest and how can we know the way Jesus said unto him I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the father except through Me amen you may be seated in the presence of the Lord why don’t everybody that loves the Lord that knows the Lord Give the Lord a hand clap of Praise come on come on we can do better than that Bible says that our God is worthy of
Praise from the rising of the sun until the going down of the same come on his name if you know it’s true his name is worthy to be praised I Will Bless The Lord at all times his praise shall continually be in come on how many know he’s
Worthy even in the midst of a loss even in the midst of death God is worthy to be praised amen and the reason he’s worthy to be praised is because last time I checked he’s God Moses declared in Psalm 90 from Everlasting to Everlasting Thou Art God no matter what happens in
Between he still God and because of that he is worthy uh of our of Our Praise we are here to remember on today and to celebrate the life of one individual of a man who lived well wasn’t perfect yeah but he was faithful oh yeah amen faithful to his to his family
Faithful to his church faithful in the community we’re here to celebrate the fact that he’s one who just went about doing good as God gave him an opportunity yeah he went about planting seeds in the lives of others to give them an advantage or to help make life
Better for them I think it’s Dr a Lewis Patterson the late Dr a Le Patterson says anytime you have an opportunity to plant seeds in good ground take advantage of that opportunity and brother Robert Bob Simmons took advantage of that opportunity to plant seeds in the lives
Of others in order to make sure that their life was made was made better uh as it relates to the program uh the only change well two things Pastor gtis is not here let’s pray for him uh he’s in Fredericksburg Virginia uh he’s not here uh Pastor Elwood McDow also is not here
And so in his place I will read his words a letter that he sent words of encouragement uh by way of letter and so other than that uh there are no other changes to the program we’ll follow our progr program is printed I also do want
To mention when you came in you should have received an envelope with a slip of paper in it on this slip of paper um we’re asking you the family is asking you to write down some of the things that you remember about brother Bob Uncle Bob how you however you refer to
Him write down a few notes on this piece of paper and there’s a receptacle for you to put these envelopes in and the paper uh to give to the family all right uh those are all um the announcement of course as it relates to the funeral is
Concerned uh if there is nothing else we are ready to uh move forward and celebrate the life of brother Bob Simmons let us say amen Amen be reading Psalms 23 Psalm of David the Lord is my shepherd I shall not want he maketh me to lie down in Green Pastures he leaded me beside the Still Waters He restored my soul he leaded me in the path of righteousness for his name’s sake yay
Though I walk through the valley in the shadow of death I will fear no evil for thou art with me thy rod and thy staff they comfort me thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies thou anointest my head with all my cup runneth over
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever the word of God for are the people of God Scripture reading will be Philippians chapter 1 Paul says yes and I will rejoice for I know that through your prayers and the help of the spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my Deliverance as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all
Ashamed but that with full courage now and always Christ will be honored in my body whether by life or by death for me to live as Christ and to die is gain if I to live in the flesh that means faithful and fruitful labor for me yet
Which I shall choose I cannot tell I’m hardpressed between the two and my desire is to depart and be with Christ for that is far better but to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account convinced of this I know that I will remain and continue with you all
For your progress and your joy in the faith so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ because of my coming unto you again God’s word for God’s people Amen let us pray father God we thank you that that you are our God and our father Lord we thank you for every evidence of grace and mercy that you bestow upon us Lord we thank you on today for the life of Bob Simmons but we thank you for the
Legacy that he has left the lessons that he’s taught the impact that he’s made on people Lord we pray now for his family that you would continue to comfort them that they would be able to know and feel your presence even as they go through difficult time lord today we lift up
Pastor Reed as he has to stand behind the sacred desk to eulogize his friend and brother that you would strengthen him that the words that you give him on today will Comfort all of us and that we will be able to leave this place rejoicing in you and your greatness in
Jesus name we pray amen Amen To the family Pastor Reed friends and church family at Fairview this is one of the hardest tasks of my life and I’m especially sorry that I cannot travel to be there with you I’ve known Bob Simmons and his family since 1974 meeting mle in 1973 I can’t tell you what it meant to
Have Bob take a personal interest in me because I highly respected him from the beginning and needless to say he and mle were a dynamic couple there is no doubt that any of the lives that God has touched through me has to do with Bob and his Pastor whom I met at Fairview
Through him I am so grieving that this is hard but I know that Jesus will get the family and all the rest of those who knew him through this tough time I have to say that out of so many things that Bob taught me uh in late night domino
Games at his house was to be myself I was already learning that through clinical training and a therapist but Bob really gave me a hard time and lots of love when I needed it and if there is an important spiritual lesson to learn it is that Jesus loves us as who we
Really are not as trying to be religious Bob was a fun instigator in his Sunday school class that I attended uh so often when I came to town one year I had to I had him to do a workshop at my church in Albuquerque when Pastor did a Revival he
Was his usual deep and yet so simple self agitating people with scripture and the people and myself loved it I will forever ever continue to pray for the family and thank God for this great man Bob Simmons I love you all Elwood J McDow Mami pastor of the Trinity
Missionary Baptist Church Tucson Arizona Amen GL Hallelujah I my life Glory Glory I my glory so much my life feel better the my life Glory Hallelujah Glory hallelu GL Hallelujah I I feel I feel I so so I’m so so so so go Good afternoon church it’s great to see so many people here for Big Bob had a special relationship with all of us at this moment I’d like to have all the members of Omega Sai fraternity please stand remain standing this is a resolution of respect for Robert Simmons Jr Robert Simmons
Senor if only we could see the Splendor of the land to which our loved ones are called from you and me we’d understand if only we could hear the welcome they receive from old familiar voices all so dear we would not grieve if only we could know the reason
Why they went we’d smile and wipe away the tears that flow and wait content we the members of the adaah Iota chapter of Omega Sci-Fi fraternity Incorporated in Oklahoma City Oklahoma want the family to know that our hearts are with you and feel that it is be fitting to express our sympathy whereas
In the Providence of God he has brought to a close the life of Robert Simmons senior a beloved and faithful member of our fraternal Brotherhood whereas in his passing there are human ties that have been broken and hearts that mourn we encourage the family to be consoled in the words of
Jesus who said blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted therefore be it resolved that we bow in humble submission to him who never makes a mistake and we embrace the family be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a
Copy kept in the archives to the family we know your loss is deep and your sorrow is great but we want you to know that we share in your sorrow we would like you to remember the words of Jesus in John 14:17 peace I leave with you my peace I
Give unto you not as the world giveth give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither Let It Be Afraid humbly submitted on this fourth day of November 2023 the officers and members of the OTA chapter of omegas fire Fraternity Incorporated in Oklahoma City Oklahoma Cliff Morgan bosis Keith krower chap
Thank You we have a number of resolutions that have come in so we ask that you would be patient with us because these are people that do want to express their feelings to the family the state of Oklahoma resolution of condolence Dr Robert Bob Simmons Senor I
Will extol the Lord at all times his praise will always be on my lips I will glory in the Lord let The Afflicted here and rejoice glorify the Lord with men let us exalt his name name together Psalm 34 1-3 whereas Dr Robert Bob Simmons senior was born March 20
1937 in bluon Ohio to Harry and Ruby l snow and it pleased our heavenly father to call him from the labor of this life to his eternal rest on October 29 2023 homegoing services are held at fairie Missionary Baptist Church 1700 Northeast 7 Street Oklahoma City Oklahoma on Saturday November 4 2023 at
1 p.m. and whereas Dr Robert Bob Simmons senior graduated from Columbus Public School and matriculated to Langston University university of ok Oklahoma and Randle University where he obtained his bachelor’s degree his master’s degree in business and Science and his doctor of ministry degree and whereas Dr Robert Bob Simmons senior
A God-fearing Man Who Loved the Lord was a devoted member of the fair Missionary Baptist Church where he was a Sunday school teacher for over 40 years Dr Simmons also served as an employee of the federal government at Tinker a force base before enjoying his retirement and
Whereas Dr Robert Bob Simmons senior was a kind and caring man bringing joy and love to his large family and including his wonderful late wife mle Simmons his children Brenda Griffith Audrey Smith Michelle Smith and Bobby Simmons and as well as his 13 grandchildren numa’s friends and the fairy Missionary Baptist
Church and whereas the Oklahoma House of Representative acting on behalf of the citizens of the state of Oklahoma wishes to extend its most sincere and highest expression of heartfelt sympathy to the entire family and friends of Dr Robert Bob Simmons Senor now therefore pursuing to the motion of Representative
Jason low Esquire the Oklahoma State Legislature extends to the family of Dr Robert Bob Simmons Senor sincere condolences and directs that this resolution be presented signed by Jason low representative Esquire house District 9 7 raw Funeral Home Incorporated we are today comforted by the words of Our Lord in Revelation 214
Which says and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes and there should be no more death neither sorrow nor crying neither shall there be any more pain for the former things that passed away death is a painful experience and the transition of a loved one can be can
Be very difficult may you find Comfort strength and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised to provide for all our needs on behalf of the entire raw Funeral Home staff we extend to you our prayers and support in the passing of your loved one we are praying that
You will feel the warmth power and comfort of God’s spirit as you walk through this Valley we encourage you to hold on to God’s unchange in hand both now and in the days to come be it resolved that we bow in humble submission to him who never makes a
Mistake and remind the family to hold on and be encouraged May the memories of your loved one the holy and Powerful presence of our God and the love of family keep you strong now and in the days to come be it further resolve that a copy of this resolution will be given
To the family humbly submitted on November 4 2023 the officers and staff of RA Funeral Home Incorporated Mr Jimmy baling Jor CEO Mrs Joanne Sakari president from Beth Eaton Baptist Church Chicago Illinois from the office of the pastor the family of Mr Robert Bob Simmons senior dear Simmons family Grace peace
Mercy love joy and happiness be unto you in the most precious name of Jesus who is the resurrection and the life I write this letter to mourn and yet celebrate the life of Bob Simmons who I met years ago through the National Baptist convention Congress of Christian
Education this was a man that I should know he impressed me in such a way that I asked him to share several times with our truste ministry his wisdom and knowledge observing and concerning the ministry of the trustees at Beth Eden Baptist Church I mourn because Bob has
Died and yet I Rejoice because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ remembering that as Believers in Christ Jesus we have the promise of everlasting life and one of these days I believe we will all see Jesus and to see our friends and loved ones family I encourage you to
Take our Lord at his word found in John 14:18 I will not leave you comfortless I will come to you on behalf of the entire Beth Eden Baptist Church family please know that we are praying with you and for you sincerely Dr Craig M Jenkins from the East Zion Consolidated District
Association resolution for Deacon Bob Robert Bob Simmons senior God in his Divine wisdom has called to returnal rest I beloved Deacon Robert Bob Simmons senior whereas Deacon Simmons has Decades of dedicated service to the noble professions of Education serving as a beacon of knowledge and inspiration to countless students and colleagues
Through The Years whereas Deacon Simmons has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the pursuit of excellence in education tirelessly fostering the intellectual and personal growth of generations Deacon Simmons was known for his remarkable contribution to the Fairview Baptist Church the eion Consolidated District Association his family many friends his many charitable
Works and Community involvement all leaving a lasting Legacy that continues to inspire us all Deacon Simmons leaves Cherished Memories a loving family and a multitude of friends who will forever remember his warmth wisdom and love for Christ and his people bid resolve that we honor his memory celebrate his life
And acknowledge the profound impact he had on our our lives and our community B for the resolve that we extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to the family and his beloved pastor and church family sharing their grief and offering our support during this time of mourning and reflection you
Are in our thoughts and prayers today and in the days to come this resolution is adopted on November 4 2023 a copy of this resolution will be given to the family and a copy will be recorded in the district archives humbly submitted Dr Kelly R Booker District moderator the New Hope Baptist
Church Newark New Jersey pastor Joe a Carter to the family of the late Robert Bob Simmons Senor friends members of the Fairview Baptist Church Sheree Walter Pastor Derek Walter and my pastor Dr John a Jr we the members of the new whole Baptist Church New New Jersey pause to acknowledge our grief and
Celebrate the Life and Legacy of brother Robert Simmons as pastor of the New Hope Baptist Church and Son of the Fairview Baptist Church I’m always reminded of the blessing of so many members of Fairview who have helped shape my life and Ministry from Sister Sanders and mother Holloway who were my Sunday
School teachers to Big Mama John Hawkins Charles Hayes sister Charles Deacon cudjo Leroy Hicks and ELO Eloise carbajal to name a few Bob Simmons stands among the tallest of Timber to have served our Lord Jesus Christ at the Fairview Baptist Church Bob Simmons influence has not
Only helped guide my life on the right path but the lives of so many of my peers as we grew up in Fairview his local and National voice has taught so many over the decades through our associations congresses and conventions he has made an indelible mark on the
Body of Christ and has left his thumb print throughout the history of the Christian church that would never be duplicated be it resolved that the pastor and first lady Monica Fred Somerville chairman of the Deacon board Tammy Edy chairman of the trustee board and the entire Ministry of the New Hope
Baptist Church count Bob Simmons as a shining star and a witness for all who wish to be Disciples of Christ on a personal note to my pastor and my mentor words cannot express how I wish I could be there with you today but know this my prayers and concern for you
My beloved Pastor is that God’s strength stren you at this hour blessed are the Dead who die in the Lord God bless you God keep you is our prayers done by the order of the New Hope Baptist Church on this fourth day of November 2023 from greater bethl Church Saturday
November 4th 2023 to the family of Deacon Robert Bob Simmons blessed are the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ according to his great Mercy he has called us to be born again in a Living Hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable
Undefiled and unfading kept in heaven for you who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time Pastor gtis first lady Janis Gattis and the Gattis Booker and Frasier families honor the memory of Deacon Bob Simmons and offer our words of love and
Kindness and extend sympathy to the family it is with a very happy heart that I write these words as tribute to this man the myth where do I begin as long as I could remember Deacon Robert Bob and his incredible wife minda Simmons have been a part of my family’s
Life they made the best good cop bad cop and I I’m sorry and I don’t have to identify who was who we all know the Simmons family have literally been a surrogate mother and father we would go and spend weekends there in the homes Brenda Audrey and
Bobby became family as well we made many memories when we went on vacation to the Simmons house our visits didn’t come without incident at times it was Dana Brent Michael and me unless just say someone who always broke and and at times it was Bobby every time
Our every turn of our life Uncle Bob was there to lead us whether we wanted it or not and do not have Cleopatra Jones ganis call for backup it would be like a sense from Jango Unchained Uncle Bob was there to comfort our family in some of the darkest
Moments and the most precious moments when the grief becomes too heavy remember the words found in Matthew 11:28-30 come to me all who labor and a heavy laden and I will give you rest take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and lowly in heart and
You will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light in moments when it is hard to focus remember Isaiah 26:3 you keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts you remember Psalms 11615 which says precious in the sight
Of the Lord is the death of his Saints Brenda Audrey and Bobby thank you for allowing the gtis family to be a part of the Simmons family you all have unselfishly shared your parents with all of us who grew up in the red Church my absence is only because I’m scheduled to
Share God’s word in the DMV and it was impossible for the pastor and his staff to reschedule so on behalf of the Gattis Booker and Frasier families know that we are praying for you and we be here to stand by you and with you through your hour of
Bement B for the resolve that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy be kept in the church office prayerfully submitted Reverend ton beatus senior pastor teacher Ramona y Simmons pastoral assistant the next resolution is from the Sunday school class that Bob taught
For many years if those students are here would you stand please resolution and love and memory of Robert Bob Simmons senior we the members of the fabie Missionary Baptist Church as adult Sunday school class 4 pay homage and respect to our teacher mentor and friend brother Robert Bob
Simmons senior we are comforted today by the words of Our Lord in John 11:25-26 which says I’m the resurrection and the life he that believeth in me though he were dead yet shall he live and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die whereas brother Bob was
A gifted and highly competent teacher and whereas brother Bob was dedicated to his role as Sunday school instructor he facilitated indepth class discussions encouraged class participation issued homework to reinforce lessons and set high expectations for each of us he was adamant that each member should establish the habit of prayer and make a
Commitment to incorporating personal Bible study time every day to ensure spiritual growth whereas brother Bob was a kind compassionate and friendly human being he always acknowledged the birthdays of everyone and blessed each person with a dollar bill putting a smile on their face and LOF in their hearts he was truly loved
By many therefore bid resolved that we the members of adult class number four offer our deepest and sincerest condolences to the family of brother Bob Simmons and share a Bible verse in his honor peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you not as the world giveth
Give I unto you let not your heart be troubled neither Let It Be Afraid John 14:27 resolve that a copy of this resolution will be given to the family and another copy will permanently become a part of the church records respectfully submitted on this fourth day of November 2023 on behalf of the
Members of faier missionary baptist adult Sunday school class number four Pastor Dr John A Reed Jr co-pastor Reverend Derk e Walter Senor thank you you may be seated we have one other resolution that we do want to acknowledge from True reverence Baptist Church in Oklahoma City expressions of comfort for the
Family of brother Rob Robert Simmons uh prayerfully Reverend Timothy Jones senior pastor and sister Teressa Jones Church secretary fairie Missionary Baptist Church expressions of love and comfort to the family of Deacon Robert Bob Simmons senior therefore my beloved Brethren be ye steadfast unmovable always abounding
In the work of the Lord for as much as you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord From First 1 Corinthians 15:58 in as much as almighty God in his infinite wisdom has called from labor to refreshment our dear brother Deacon Robert Bob Simmons senior the Fairview
Church family submit to his will and are gathered here today to join with the family in saying so long to this servant and to celebrate a life well- lived to his dear children and their spouses Bren Audrey Michelle and Bobby to the grandchildren and all other family
Members we offer you our love and support during this time brother Bob spent 57 years of his life as a part of the fairy family uniting in 1966 under the leadership of Pastor John A Reed Jr he remained faithful and committed to God to his pastor and the
Church until the end doing in his time here he served in many capacities Deacon trustee Sunday school teacher instructor in the Christian Leadership School grief Ministry baseball sof softball coach and freely supported all Ministries and programs of the church Deacon Simmons could be referred to as a good Steward given fully of his
Time his talent and his means his level of contribution was whatever it takes although Bob was a man of big stature with an easily recognizable booming voice he moved quietly about the membership touching lives of individual members in unique ways where they was sending a thoughtful text message giving
You $1 birthday gift showing up at the hospital asking about family members or giving words of encouragement his quick wit coupled with his gift of counsel would point you in the direction to seek a solution to whatever you faced in life the visual memories of brother Bob or some called
Him Uncle Bob during the time he was with us will always remain in our minds for years to come but the impact he had on our lives will remain in our hearts for a lifetime Deacon Simmons served and he served well he worked until his day was
Done God was pleased with his labor so on October 29th 2023 he turned what was a night’s sleep to one of Eternal rest well done good and faithful servant you have been faithful with a few things I will put you in charge of many things come and share your Master’s
Happiness weep if you must but not as one with without hope we we can rejoice in the Lord knowing we will meet again we offer you this promise recorded in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 15-18 for this we say to you by the word of the Lord that we who are alive and
Remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are sleep for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God and the dead of Christ will rise first then we who are alive and remain should
Be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and thus we shall always be with the Lord therefore Comfort one another with these words thank you family for sharing brother Bob with us our lives are much better because he passed our way
May God bless you and keep you in his care prayerfully submitted on behalf of the entire faw church family this fourth day of November the year of Our Lord 2023 Dr John A Reed Jr senior pastor Reverend Derek e Walter senior co-pastor sister mtha Patterson membership coordinator bement Ministry chairperson there’s a printed
Acknowledge on your programs uh to all of you who have shared in Bob’s Journey with all of us we wish to express our sincere gratitude for your prayers visits flowers phone calls cards food and other expressions of kindness we are profoundly moved by the support of the Fairview Baptist
Church family and Hamilton Park United Methodist Church family special heartfelt thanks to Kaden macintouch who was Bob’s caregiver his car and neighbor the OU Medical neurological team ignite Resort Mercy Rehabilitation Dr Jonathan Brian Dr Michael sers and Dr Edward Dill okay and L of flowers and other
Gifts we encourage other off others to make a donation to The Robert and mendle Simmons scholarship fund through the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and if you want to write this down if you don’t have a program it’s at you can find that at OCC ccf.org back SL scholarships and it’s
Listed under Robert and mle Simmons God bless You amen we can all say Amen to what has been said thus far uh it is at this point in service that uh we program calls for remarks and it’s right through here where we want to be as efficient as possible we want to move as
Expeditiously as we can and so we are asking that as you come to share your remarks those who are on program as you come to share your remarks Pastor Reed is asking as well as the family that you would please limit your remarks to two minutes the Bible says for things to be
Done decently and in order so we want to make sure we maintain uh the order we want to make sure that we do what our pastor is asking us to do we want to make sure that we do what the family is requesting that we do so that said If
You happen to hear Pastor Reed say all right God bless you amen that means that your time is up don’t let them have to start playing the organ all right there’s a lot that could be said about a man like Robert Bob Simmons but pop says you can’t can’t you
Can’t tell it all he says it all the time and so we want you please ma’am please sir as you come to be aware of that and limit your remarks to 2 Minutes you know I met uh Bob Simmons well over 50 years ago and I met him through he was the coach of our softball team him and Reverend James Reed and the legendary fa you softball team it’s I think it’s only one of Harlem uh artist I think there’s the
Only two that’s still around here there’s artist over there um uh when Brenda called me and told me he had passed I felt a little sadden but when she said he wanted me to wanted me to have two minutes it made me feel a lot better uh you know
We talked a lot uh worked out at Tinker together well not really together but he had a a big office and I had a a little office I’d go go over there and talk with him a lot till he ran me out and
Said Bob I got to go to work man you you need to go somewhere we worked together in the finance room and we talked there too um and when he got sick uh I felt great pleasure and I’d wait for him at the door I don’t care if it
Was Brenda Bobby or ay would would bringing i’ be wait for him to push him down here or walk when he wanted to but he’s going to be missed uh by the Fairview Family friends and myself uh thank you brother Bob one thing that I learned about
Brother Bob I just listed a few things that I know brother Bob loved the Lord he loved his family he loved his pastor Pastor John A Reed Jr he loved his church the Fairview Baptist Church he loved teaching God’s word I had the privilege of being in his Sunday school
Class and I know that he was a student of the word he loved Omega Sci-Fi fraternity he loved Langston University right he loved the grief Ministry he loved helping people and I come to know that I wonder sometimes who would want to be part of a grief
Ministry but brother Bob was called to do that because he knew how to help people another thing about brother Bob he had kind words to say and he was good at giving advice and I did not mind calling him and asking him some things when I needed
Help you know with when you deal with people you need somebody to kind of talk to he was my talk to person and he would give you the real truth and I love that about him so today I say to brother Bob I say farewell brother Bob farewell brother
Bob you lived a wonderful life and you will live on in my heart you will never be forgotten and I will see you [Applause] later Good morning um well good afternoon I’m sorry uh my name is brother James tobler I’m a was a fellow Deacon I’ve served with Bob here uh brother Bob here for the last 25 years or so 26 years and um in many capacities and I’m just thankful for the
Opportunity uh to share my thoughts and feelings for uh brother Simmons on behalf of uh the men here at Fairview and the fellow deacons if I may uh upon my arrival here uh at Fairview 1997 I soon discovered that brother Bob uh I soon met brother Bob and one of the
First thing I noticed was a strong uh confident way he carried his cell and so he was a man’s man and I uh think I needed to see that he modeled that uh for me me and then I discovered that um uh his his background in the federal
Government and his love for Education uh as he taught on the local state and National levels now upon learning that he worked at Tinker Air Force Space uh I noticed a number I was sit out there I notic a number of FW uh folks that worked out at tinker and I knew he
Worked in HR and I was like looking for the hookup I got to be honest I looking for the hookup and I approached him and in his strong voice he said well and he knew what was up he said now now brother James uh what kind of education you got
What kind of education you have any education and I said no but I’m a vet so I’m I’m going keep trying and so once I finally got on uh he always encouraged me and my path and my growth there uh at Tinker Air Force Base but it was clear
That he was passionate about education and and um and he wanted U everyone he’ come across to better themselves and to uh uh enhance themselves as far as uh their position in life life and so so I didn’t have um uh Advanced educ you know schol Advanced education scholastically
I found myself in the school of becoming an effective Deacon a trustee leader and mature Christian man and brother Simmons was one of my Educators he was a professor you hear me one of he was a professor now I don’t just speak for myself but us younger guys watch the way
The brother Bobs the brother Curtis Simmons the brother uh uh uh all the different men that have passed this way we look at them and and we model them whether it be consciously or subconsciously so uh these are saints that model uh Christian manhood and uh I must say brother Bob
Dropped many nuggets on me in the conversation we had over the years and I can say for us uh us men we stand on his shoulders as we strive to become Educators for those who follow behind us or or we walking with so on last Sunday morning brother Bob transition to be
With the Lord uh to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to his Heavenly home and those of us who are students will continue to keep his legacy alive through scholastically uh whether it be financially spiritually we’re going to keep that Legacy alive Brenda and family
And uh we stand on brother Bob’s shoulders and we’re going to use the Legacy left with us to bless those around us those we come in contact with now to the family um I know there many sacrifices brother Bob uh made and um uh he was so faithful to his ministry but
God used him here God definitely used him here you know that and I thank you in the men fair you thank you for just sharing them with us uh now I’m a sooner fan but today and hon know brother Bob let’s say it together go Buckey go buck guys amen God bless you
[Applause] y’all good evening first of all I want to give honor to God and to John A Reed my lifetime pastor and to the Simmons family all my cousins family and friends I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to talk about my Uncle Bob listen there’s going
To be a debate between me and my little sister about who is the favorite niece well let me tell you I’m the favorite niece so whatever she says I am the favorite niece and I can prove that because when me and Audrey and Brenda was together it was my sister cousins we
Were the Three Amigos no matter where they went I I got to go we went to Disneyland Universal Studios you name it Hoover Dam we went to uh the Grand Canyon we went everywhere together and I got those perks I got to go with them no
Matter what so I had so much fun with my Uncle Bob traveling all over we even went to elementary school together we went to St James Catholic Church School we were the only blacks in that school they didn’t tell me I was going to that
But we did together and we had a lot of fun we learned things we learned to be diverse we learned to love everyone so go uh Uncle bod knew that you know he knew what he was doing when he put us in these positions now it’s really hard for
Me to talk about Uncle Bob all the time without talking about my a mle because they were a power couple and you will hear that all the time because when you see one you seen the other and they were both doing it together so I was um
Telling my Uncle Bob you know we was actually going to California and it was me Audrey of course the rest of them were younger like ranina so me and Audrey we were going down the road we were going to California right so Uncle Bob them hired all the luxury cars when
We went so it was cool in there and everything but one thing about Uncle Bob is he liked this Jazz it didn’t have no rhythm or beat to it it was more like that you know all the way down to California and I was like Uncle Bob you
Know he said well I’m driving you know so you going to have to listen Okay so one thing that we were explaining to Uncle Bob and me and Brenda and um Audrey we say this all the time because we were telling Uncle Bob he was
Laughing cuz we were in the car with my grandparents um uncle uh a sister and my uh my a’t n is what everybody call a’t n but she was our grandparent but we were going down the road with them and it was 10 of of us in the back 10 five this way
Five this way three in this here and then two driving now mind you they don’t drive as fast as Uncle Bob right so anyway we were telling Uncle Bob it took us forever to get there and they wouldn’t cut the air conditioner on on the brand new station wagon it was
Burning hot all the way down there so we laugh about this all the time and so uh Uncle Bob always encouraged us and said well what’s your aspirations what do you want to do who you want to be so one thing about it is he instilled in US
Education to educate ourselves and me brandan Ain and I know they’ll remember this we said one thing we’re going to get our education we’re going to find good jobs and we’re not ever traveling in a car and with no air and we did that we made that promise and I know I did
For 20 years never traveled in the car it was just against the rules you know so then later I said Uncle Bob you know I I’m I’m engaged I’m I’m get getting married he said what is he ready for you he didn’t ask was I ready to be married he asked
Was he I said Uncle Bob I’m a good person you know so anyway Uncle Bob gave me away and he walked me down the aisle as someone said in the red Church uh Reverend Reed gave us away and when Reverend Reed said who gives this woman to be the lawfully wayed wife whatever
The way it go so Uncle Bob proudly said I do and he kissed me on the forehead and he kissed me on the cheek and he looked at philli and said good luck so I said this man he’s so funny he was so hilarious so you know after you
Know Philip pasted and everything I you know remarried again and Vegas and everything and so my husband now he said to him man you and a family of a long generation of strong women so are you ready I was like is he ready you you
Know how am I ready you know so but he always let them know and he always had jokes but I’m going have to conclude you know real quickly you know first speaking of Tinker they were always talking about the tinker and Uncle Bob getting people hooked up he get me the
Hookup okay I got on at Tinker Federal Credit Union I said Uncle J Bob I need a job and I want to work at Tinker he got me there he just got made that phun I was like okay oh he got it like that
Okay so he did so I got on but there was one problem I got I got fired at tinker and Uncle Bob said can you add and I said no so anyway I’mma let that go but anyway I just want y’all to know cuz read the St oh no that didn’t really
Read okay but anyway he’s standing up but uh I was going to let that go but I just wanted to say that he was able to be there for me and my family through my tragedies when I lost my grandson and if y’all didn’t know Uncle UNC Bob was a
Professional funeral prepper so he made sure that everything was in order for me he loved us like that he made sure everything was outlined and perfect and dotted those eyes I say that to say that Uncle B was always there and I am the favorite niece and I just wanted y’all
To know that I love him dearly y’all pray for [Applause] me I promise to be two minutes I am the little sister I am Cheryl’s little sister Rina forese giving all the glory and honor to God and for this great man a faithful man was Uncle Bob I didn’t think this day would be hard but let me tell you
Why he was always there there was never a time that Uncle Bob would not be there whether we asked him to be there or not he was going to be there he always had the right words I remember when my nephew passed said I’ve got to call Uncle Bob I
Knew he would know exactly what to do and tell me who to call um and he did he always knew what to say he was a leader naturally was very easy for us to follow we are Nina toller’s tribe family n toer was a force to be reckoned with but Uncle Bob could
Lead her and take her keys away when her children could not and that was my grandmother but Uncle Bob meant so much to me one last thing if I ask a lot of questions it’s because he told me that I could he told my mother how how can she learn if
She doesn’t ask questions and I took that and I ran with it if you know me you know me I will ask a thousand questions you can thank Uncle Bob well done good and faithful servant Uncle [Applause] Bob Let us all say amen amen praise God we thank God for this day and we realize it may be a sad occasion for some but it is a joyful occasion for those of us who know Bob at this time I want to ask as my brothers and amen sons
In the in the ministry and Sons of fa and our daughter of faie to stand amen give them a big [Applause] Hand I Rejoice at this day Bob loved each one of us and I met Bob in 19 1964 and uh there was a while a little time I was the youngest amen of all the Ministers of Reverend J Reed Jr and now I stand today as the oldest in of his sons and
Uh Bob used to joke with me and tease me about being the son and he says how do it feel to be your brother’s son but he’s your brother and I said to Bob well it’s easy Bob uh when we was living on Callum Street he was preaching
Then and uh I was his brother and after I started preaching it did not change a thing at all and Boba teach me time and time again about being pastor’s brother Bob was something special and you’d have so much fun around him and he could teach so well and he could talk
About any subject you want to talk about and I remember when we had a few conversations Jeff about U and O State I let him talk about old you but I decided I didn’t want to talk about Old State and that was a special reason because I had grown
Up with my brother my pastor and we talked about U all the time because I was his team and so when I look at Bob and think about all he what he meant to each and every one of us can I just say to the family today he was a great
Man he was a great man he was a great man he stood tall and what I like about him even today he was a man of God you wanted to have a wonderful conversation bring up the name Jesus and Bob’s light would come on and so when I think
About how he walked around here at fa I called him Mr Everything cuz he was involved with everything in this church and then one thing special Bob loved and I mean sh up loved his pastor and I believe today when you look at Pastor Reed he’s hurting and he’s trying to be strong
Family may God bless you and may God keep you is our prayer Bob would say tell him James to trust in the Lord with all thine heart lean not to your own understanded in all your ways acknowledge Him He Shall direct your path God bless you [Applause] Amen a story tell that I been but I feel oh I’m some and some down to the of oh I what I’m oh I he my heart is breing I I am here I am here he my my I am work I it’s the I am here I am here c i
I am here I am here here here here here here here I am here I am here Grace and peace be to all of you from God our Father and from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ to all of our pastors and Ministers of the Gospel who are here today to
Share with this family to uh the entire FAU church family and all of you my brothers and sisters in in the Lord to this family these three daughters and one son all of uh the husbands of the daughters and and and to all of the grandchildren and
I think is what is it two great grandchildren amen he got me beat by one yeah and all of the rest of the family I um not going to be long I don’t have to be a long time with somebody that’s as close to me as as Bob Simmons was that’s right right
Uh Bob Robert Bob Simmons I think last Sunday that he was at church I was sitting in that chair I think he came in with in the wheelchair and I think he thought I was in a wheelchair and you know we got talking I
Said no b i say I got that chair up there cuzz I’m I’m a point where I can’t hardly walk anymore either and and uh I uh I I got that we that chair up here so I can get closer to pull pit then I can turn
Around I I got one of those chairs I can turn around and see everything that’s going on here in this church I couldn’t do that with other church that chair was behind me sitting by when I was sitting behind the pull pit but I got me a chair up here now
Where I can just see everything amen and Bob kind of laughed at me but but Bob Simmons was one of the most faithful committed that’s right dedicated Christian Steward that I’ve had the privilege of knowing and serving with amen I met Bob in the year of 1964 on the Langston University campus
And we called out on the hill and that was a year that I received my uh bth degree from Oklahoma school of religion which was connected to Langston University and Bob at that particular time was a student at Langston along with his late wife Mel and nashley already knew mle mle
Grew up here at Fairview and in the year of 1966 I had the privilege of marrying Bob and mle and I married them at my house and I uh I did the ceremony and my wife my late wife and I served at the witnesses at my house on 1401 Northeast
37 and uh sometime during that year Bob became a member of the faie Baptist Church and really the rest is history and there is so much that I could say today about our relationship during these 57 years Not only was I his pastor but Bob was my brother
Brother and Bob was a great friend and after they were married uh after we they became great friends of my late wife and I and we spent a whole lot of time together we traveled across this country together attending National Baptist congresses of Christian education where Bob had the privilege of teaching and
And mle had the privilege of being a part of the administration and uh as those of you who know the National Congress is is held every year during the third week of August somewhere in the nation and uh also during my wife’s last lifetime uh the 18th of June was our wedding
Anniversary and we would always be somewhere at the National Congress during our anniversary and during those years Bob and mle would always every year they would uh take us to dinner during that week and spent time with us during our annual anniversary and so many other times Bob
Um I’m sure that there were even times when he probably disagreed with me as pastor but I if he did I never knew it Bob and I sered together here at this church for a said over for 50 six years and he he um served Faithfully sincerely and was one of the
Greatest stewards of the Lord that I’ve ever known and that’s the kind of relationship we had I I respected him and he highly respected me as his Pastor he always called me boss and uh he said whatever whatever we’re going to do boss whatever it is we’re going to do it great Christian
Steward in every sense of the word Bob Bob knew that all of life is stewardship he knew that stewardship is all that a person is right and all that a person has right and if I was going to really uh use a subject here this afternoon uh which I don’t usually do
For funerals but if I was going to use a septic I would talk for these few minutes About Bob the faithful Christian stward all right all right and as Fair of you know these two months in October and November we spend a whole lot of time in our teaching and our
Preaching on this subject Christian
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