Bobby B. Simmons of Bonaire, Ga., is currently serving his first three-year term on the Shriners Hospitals for Children® Board of Trustees. Simmons was elected during the Shriners’ 2009 Imperial Session – held in San Antonio July 5-9.
Simmons was born in Jeffersonville, Ga., but soon moved with his family to Centerville, Ga., and later Unadilla, Ga. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Air Force and traveled throughout Georgia, Texas, Michigan, Greece, and Vietnam. During the first part of his military career, he served as a flight engineer. He received many honors and distinctions during his service, including “Best Flight Engineer Award” from the Air Training Command, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Outstanding Unit Award. He retired in 1981 as a maintenance superintendent and began a civil service career at Robins Air Base in Warner Robins, Ga. In 1990, he received a “Point of Light Award” for outstanding community service from President George H. W. Bush.
Simmons became a Master Mason in 1967 and served his Blue Lodge as Worshipful Master in 1985. He formed a Daylight Masonic Lodge and served as its first master in 2007. He also served as Twelve Masonic District Master in 2009. In the Grand Lodge of Georgia, he has served as the Most Worshipful Grand Master, the Grand Orator and Chairman of the Masonic Home Endowment.
He is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and served as Venerable Master of the Lodge of Perfection. Simmons is a past President of The Scottish Rite Foundation of Georgia and serves on the Scottish Rite Hospital Child Care Committee. He is also a member of the York Rite which he presently serves as the Grand Chapter, Grand Chaplain. He is the recipient of the York Rite College Purple Cross and the Knight Commander of the Temple Award. Simmons recently received the Honorary Legion of Honor from DeMolay International and is presently serving on the degree team for this award.
Simmons joined Al Sihah Shriners in 1972 and served in several positions, including Potentate in 1988 and currently serves as temple Treasurer. On the Imperial level, Simmons has served as the Imperial Captain of the Guard Aide, the Imperial Marshal’s Aide and the Imperial Potentate’s Aide. He has also served on the Imperial Dispensation & Charters Committee, Imperial Distinguished Guest Registration Committee, the Imperial East-West Shrine Game Committee and Donor Relations Committee.
He currently serves as a Liaison Officer for Shriners Hospitals for Children — St. Louis. He is a member of the Medical Affairs Committee, Affiliation Evaluation Committee, Revenue Cycle Committee, Corporate Compliance Committee, Hospital Regulations Committee, Clinical and Basic Research Committee, International Development Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.
Simmons and his wife, Nancy, are active members of Bonaire Methodist Church, where he previously served on the administrative board and finance committee. He and his wife have three children: Jeffery and his wife, Rebecca; Teresa and her husband, Tony; and David and his wife, Monica. They also have five grandchildren: James, Rob, Roman, Keilah and T.J.