Dick Simmons

Richard Glenn “Dick” Simmons, a well-known state leader and community servant, died of natural causes Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Dick, who was always happy to be a sixth generation Floridian, was 84. He served for 35 years as a city manager, all in the state he loved. During his 35 years he managed the cities of Davenport, Haines City, Winter Park, Melbourne, West Palm Beach and Kissimmee. Upon retirement, Dick returned to his city of birth where he remained active and influential in Florida government organizations until his death. He was a member of the International City Management Association (ICMA) for more than 50 years and the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) where he served in all offices, including President. Among his many awards are two International awards - The ICMA Cookingham Award for Career Development, and the Distinguished Service Award. He was elected by the ICMA/FCCMA in 1991 as a Range Rider and had been the Florida Coordinator since 2000. Many leaders throughout the state have attributed his personal influence and investment in them as the foundation upon which they have launched and built their careers. Always an active churchman, Dick was a member of First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee where he served in many capacities. He was a past President and member of the Kiwanis Club for 61 years and served as Key Club Advisor where he loved working with young people who are the future leaders of our state. Upon retirement, he also assisted with the Christian Ministry Center for the homeless, was on the Board of Habitat for Humanity, was a member of the Board and President of the Osceola Opportunity Center, a member of the Silver Spurs Riding Club, and an active member of The Pioneer Center in Kissimmee. Dick was married for 58 years and is survived by his wife Kay Upson Simmons. He is also survived by a sister, Nina Sue Crowell of Pikeville, TN; two Daughters and their husbands, Sandra and Robert Goy of Albuquerque, NM; Susan and David Huggins of Kennesaw, GA; two granddaughters, Amy and Angie Huggins; one grandson, Christopher Goy. Visitation will be 5-8 pm, Friday, March 22 at Osceola Memory Gardens Funeral Home, Kissimmee Chapel. Services to celebrate the life of Dick Simmons will be held 11 am, Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Kissimmee. Interment will follow in the Garden of Devotion at Osceola Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Dick Simmons

August 6, 1928 - March 19, 2013