Special to the NEWS
HARLINGEN, TX—A courtyard at Harlingen Medical Center has been dedicated in memory of pioneering Rio Grande Valley physician Dr. Cecil Simmons of San Benito, who was among several local physicians who helped establish the award-winning hospital and served as a co-founder of San Benito Medical Associates.
The courtyard was dedicated to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Simmons at Harlingen Medical Center (HMC), 5501 S. Expressway 77.
“Dr. Simmons was a devoted physician, mentor, and cherished member of the HMC family,” said Todd Mann, CEO of Harlingen Medical Center.
“For decades, Dr. Simmons served with compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication – caring not only for the patients of Harlingen Medical Center but also for families across Cameron County and the Rio Grande Valley,” Mann said. “His kindness, wisdom, and commitment to healing touched countless lives and helped shape the community we serve today.”
In recognition of Dr. Simmons’ lifelong service and the lasting impact he had on Harlingen Medical Center and the community, HMC recently dedicated the Dr. Cecil Simmons Memorial Courtyard.
“This special place will stand as a tribute to a physician who gave so much of himself to the people of Cameron County,” Mann added.
In 1963, Dr. Simmons and Dr. Bill Ross founded San Benito Medical Associates, a pioneering family medicine group that provided comprehensive primary care to thousands of patients.
Four decades later, Dr. Simmons, along with fellow local physicians, helped organize and build Harlingen Medical Center, which opened to serve the community in 2002. Dr. Simmons served for many years as Chairman of the Board for HMC.
After caring for three generations of patients, Dr. Simmons retired from medicine in 2014. Many patients remember Dr. Simmons for his gentle, reassuring bedside manner.
In addition to healthcare, Dr. Simmons was committed to education, serving three terms on the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District school board, including as board president.
Dr. Simmons — who was born in Harlingen and grew up on a farm in the Rangerville area — passed away at age 91 on October 20, 2025.
For more information on the courtyard dedication in memory of Dr. Simmons, contact Kathleen Avila, Regional Director of Business Development and Marketing for Prime Healthcare, at kavila@primehealthcare.com; Araceli Garcia, Business Development & Marketing Manager for Harlingen Medical Center, at 956.365.1848; or visit www.HarlingenMedicalCenter.com and www.facebook.com/hmcrgv.
Harlingen Medical Center is a nationally recognized, award-winning general acute care hospital. The Level IV Trauma-Designated hospital specializes in imaging, bariatrics, cardiovascular care, orthopedics, emergency medicine, gastroenterology, gynecology, and wound care.
According to its website, the hospital’s concept of “Patient-Focused Care” puts the patient first. The design, management, staffing, and operation of the hospital are centered on patient needs and overall comfort.
For more information, call (956) 365-1000 or visit www.HarlingenMedicalCenter.com.
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