Dallas Billionaire Harold Simmons Dies

DALLAS (AP/STAFF) — Dallas billionaire and heavyweight GOP political donor Harold Simmons, who has given millions of dollars to Republican candidates, including Texas Governor Rick Perry, has died. He was 82. Simmons, born to two school teachers in Golden, in Wood County, became one of the richest men in the country with interests ranging from energy to chemicals. A spokesman for Simmons, Chuck McDonald, says Simmons died Saturday in Dallas. He says he does not know the cause of death.

Simmons’ wife, Annette Simmons, tells The Dallas Morning News her husband died at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.

Perry called Simmons “a true Texas giant” who rose from humble beginnings.

Over the years, Simmons has donated tens of millions of dollars, including to charities, education groups and a Dallas medical center.