Dr. T.A. Sims, the longest-serving Fort Worth ISD Board member, dies, family says

Dr. Theophlous Aron Sims, Sr., has died, according to a statement shared by his family. They said Dr. Sims passed away on Monday, March 23, at the age of 88.

Sims, a native of Lodi, Texas, moved to Fort Worth and built a foundation on support, the statement says. Family says he and his wife, Dr. Nancy W. Sims, owned and operated Sims Pharmacy and Sims Enterprises Inc., which included the Sims Professional Center on Berry Street. At the professional center, Sims’ family says he has helped support and elevate African American entrepreneurship within Fort Worth for years.

The statement reads that Dr. Sims was elected to the Fort Worth ISD Board of Trustees in August of 1983 during a special election. He spent more than 30 years representing District 4 and serving as Board President, Vice-President, and Secretary during his tenure. During which he made history as the first Black American Elected President of the Fort Worth ISD Board, and originated the FWISD Scholar Athlete Award program in 1984.

In 1989, T.A. Sims Elementary School was named in his honor.

In 2019, Dr. Sims announced his resignation during a Fort Worth ISD board meeting, and he remains the longest-serving board member in district history.

WFAA has reached out to Fort Worth ISD for an additional comment since Dr. Sims’ passing.

Outside of Fort Worth ISD, Dr. Sims was appointed by President Ronald Regan to the National Institute of Health Sickle Cell Anemia Advisory Board in 1984. In 2006, the statement reads, Dr. Sims was honored as a Living Legend by the Dr. Marion J. Brooks Foundation, which recognizes Tarrant County residents who have exemplified excellence in their vocation and provided great service to the community.

Dr. Sims is survived by his wife, Dr. Nancy W. Sims, his son, Dr. T.A. Sims Jr, his daughters Shannon Sims-Alfred and Stephanie Sims-Sipho, and his four granddaughters.

A visitation and wake are scheduled for Friday, April 10, beginning at 10 a.m. His funeral will be held the following day, Saturday, April 11, at Carter Metropolitan CME Church in Fort Worth.