Carl Edward Simms loved his job and loved people.
Known for his quick wit, work ethic and kindness, Simms was respected by colleagues and inmates during his 42-year tenure with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.
He was one of the first African-Americans to work for the sheriff’s department and was the county’s longest-serving sheriff’s deputy.
“He was a dedicated sheriff’s deputy who was honest,” said Fulton Sheriff Ted Jackson. “He was loyal to the sheriff’s office and cared about the image of the office and did what he could to protect it.”
Simms of Atlanta died July 30 of kidney failure at the age of 76. His funeral was Aug. 7 at Jackson Memorial Baptist Church in Atlanta.
Born on June 7, 1939, in Newnan, Simms was the youngest of eight children. He married his childhood friend Hazel Johnson in 1966.
Simms began his career as a sheriff’s deputy in April 1971, when few African-Americans worked for the department.
At the time, black deputies, who were not allowed to drive county vehicles, had to pick up inmates in their own cars, said retired sheriff’s Capt. Johnnie Bussey, who joined the department about a year before Simms.
Despite the challenges, Simms devoted himself to his work, Bussey said. He held several positions during his tenure, including supervising inmates on work details. His kind demeanor helped him gain their respect, she said.
“The early days were not very easy,” Bussey said. “It could have been a stressful job, but he carried himself in a way that his duties were not stressful to him or the inmates. He loved his job because he loved people. He would give advice. He was professional, and he demanded respect.”
Simms also was active in the community. He volunteered with political campaigns and drove limos and hearses for funeral directors.
When he realized that many funeral homes could not afford funeral cars for families, Simms started the Unity Limousine Service. During the 25 years he ran the business, Simms would get calls for limos from funeral homes around the state. Because of his work with the funeral industry, he was appointed the souvenir coordinator for the Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association. During his 30 years in the volunteer post, he solicited souvenir items to compile about 300 swag bags for GFSPA convention attendees.
“He loved it because he’s a people person, and he liked to do for others,” his wife said. “He didn’t have much time for hobbies because he was working so much, and he got pleasure out of those things. He also enjoyed his family and was a great father and a great husband.”
In 2013, Simms retired as a sergeant from the sheriff’s office. Upon his retirement, the Fulton County Commission issued a proclamation to thank him for his service.
“Even as his health was failing, he came to work every day. That’s dedication you don’t see much anymore,” Jackson said. “He will be missed and remembered for his loyalty.”
In addition to his wife, Simms is survived by his daughters Carla Y. Simms-Collins of Lawrenceville and Carol I. Simms of Atlanta; and two grandsons.
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