Deacon Robert Anthony Simms, Jr.

Life Story – Robert Anthony Simms Jr.

Born August 02, 1970, in Philadelphia, PA, Robert Anthony Simms, Jr. was the third child and only son of Robert Anthony Simms, Sr. and Virginia Simms, both proceeding him in death.  Being raised in a household with six girls, Robert quickly realized that keeping an eye on these girls would be challenging; but he did it with a smile.  Robert was educated in the Philadelphia school system, graduating from Olney High in 1988 and attending Community College of Philadelphia thereafter.  As a child, he loved making his own comic strips, enjoyed watching martial arts movies and briefly studied martial arts.  Robert had a lengthy employment career with Independence Blue Cross and thought of his co-workers as extended family.

Robert gave his life to Christ and began his Christian walk at Universal Missionary Baptist Church where he was a faithful, devoted, lifetime member ordained as Deacon by his Pastor, Robert M. Preston.  He served on several ministries including the Youth and Young Adult Choir, Voices of Universal Choir, UMBC Singers, Finance Ministry, and Christian Education Ministry as a Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School teen teacher. Robert spent many hours working with his sound equipment and collecting vintage records.  His passion for music grew stronger under Pastor Preston's direction with the Voices of Universal choir.  Most notable was Robert’s warm and jovial demeanor to all who knew him.  Members frequently commented on how he was always so friendly and “such a good guy”.   

Robert is survived by sisters Lena Simms, Lisa Simms, Angel Simms, Janel Simms, Adria Simms, Shantel Moore and Brother-in-Law, Joshua Moore, Uncle Patrick Simms and wife Patricia, and Uncle/Pastor Alfred Duncan and wife Phyliss, and host of cousins and friends.

Sorrowfully Submitted,

The Family

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