Percy Alvin Simond Jr.'s Obituary
Funeral Services for Percy A. Simond, Jr. 97, will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Long Chapel CME Church, Rev. Dr. Edward Thomas, pastor, Rev. Trever Barnett,
Presiding Elder of the Beaumont-Nacogdoches District 8th Episcopal District Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church, will deliver the eulogy, and Rev. Valencia Edner, pastor of Miles Chapel CME
Church, Houston, Texas, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Davis Memorial Gardens in
Lufkin, Texas.
A memorial service for Mr. Simond will be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Colonial Mortuary, 1600 Sayers Street, Lufkin, Texas.
Mr. Simond passed peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 in Lufkin, Texas with his loving wife, Princess, at his side. Mr. Simond was married to his wife, Princella (Princess) Parsons for over 60 years, and they were the parents of one child, Sharon Re'nee who preceded him in death. Mr. Simond was dedicated to God, family, friends, his community and living life with a purpose. His favorite sayings were, "If I don't, who will," and "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Mr. Simond was born February 22, 1918, in Mansfield, Louisiana to Amanda and Perc y A. Simond, Sr. He credited his parents with molding his strong work ethic and his strong sense of community service.
After graduating from Dunbar High School, Lufkin,Texas, Mr. Simond continued his education at Texas College in Tyler, Texas before joining the U.S. Army. He lived and worked in Los Angeles, California for 31 years before returning to Lufkin in 1979. For over 26 years, Mr. Simond was employed by Golden State Insurance Company as an agent and as a staff manager.
After returning to Lufkin, Mr. Simond's mission was to work to improve the quality of life for residents of Lufkin, particularly the residents of North Lufkin. For over 25 years, Mr. Simond served as manager of the Inez Tims Apartments, a facility for seniors and residents with disabilities. Prior to serving as manager of Inez Tims Apartments, mr/ Simond served as manager of Pinewood Park Apartments, a facility used to ensure low income families a safe and affordable place to call home.
Mr. Simond served as a member of the Lufkin City Council for 18 years. His most notable contributions to the Lufkin community include working tirelessly with the City on the plans for many street improvement projects, Temple Foundation funding for clean-up campaign, demolition of sub-standard housing, and additional parking at Jones Park. Also, Mr. Simond worked with the City of Lufkin to establish a code enforcement department, continue service at the downtown post office
facility, secure increased salaries for city police officers and city manager, adopt a smoking ordinance for city hall, institute a city screening committee for hiring employees, and extend city's Christmas decorations to include Kurth Drive.
Mr. Simond was a faithful member of Long Chapel CME Church, and for many years, he served as chairman of the steward board. Also, he was a member of the Angelina County Citizens Chamber of Commerce, Deep East Texas Council of Governments, Voters' League, Urban League, and a life member of the National Association for Advancement of Colored People. In addition, he was a devoted member of the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elk and served as assistant to the Grand Exalted Ruler for many years.
Among those left to celebrate Mr. Simond's inspiring life are: his devoted and loving wife, Princess, his two caring sisters, Christa Simond Ingram, Lufkin, Texas and Jacqueline Rodman, Madison, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Juanita Simond, Las Vegas, Nevada; a wealth of wonderful, loving, caring and supportive nieces and nephews; compassionate cousins, other relatives and devoted friends.
Services have been placed in the trust of Colonial Mortuary.
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