COSAM News Articles 2015 August COSAM mourns the loss of Sam Simmons

COSAM mourns the loss of Sam Simmons

Published: 08/03/2015

Longtime COSAM supporter and alumnus William Samuel Simmons was born on March 4, 1936, in Monroeville, Ala., and passed away July 10, 2015. Sam married his high school sweetheart, Yvette Morgan Simmons, in Opelika, Ala., in 1958. A scientist by nature and by training, Sam spent his life in academics. He received a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1958 and a doctorate in chemical engineering in 1969, both from Auburn, followed by postdoctoral work in pharmacology with Pennsylvania State University. He excelled in medical research at the Burroughs Wellcome Fund in Durham, N.C., worked with the Environmental Protection Agency, and eventually moved his family of five to northern California for a career in environmental consulting. After 10 years, Sam returned to North Carolina with his wife. Sam was known for his work ethic and his integrity as well as his objective and analytical perspective. A natural athlete, he had a passion for tennis, playing well into his senior years. He had an enduring love of nature and wildlife. His passion for research and love of family merged to become a relentless study of his own genealogy.

Sam is survived by his wife, Yvette; sons Travis (Kelly), Joel (Cal) and Todd; grandsons William Samuel Simmons II and Dalton DeFord; and brother Alexander Simmons (Annette). Memorial donations may be sent to St. Paul's Church, 520 Summit Street, Winston Salem, N.C. 27101; Old Scotland Presbyterian Church, 315 Pecan Drive, Monroeville, AL 36460, or a charity of your choice.