Emmitt H. Simon, Jr., born on August 28, 1934, embarked on a distinguished career that led to his 1996 induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame. His career in education and athletics spanned several decades, beginning as a teacher and coach at Manassas High School from 1959 to 1963. Here, he led the football team to city championships in 1959, 1960, and 1961, marking the inception of his notable contributions to Tennessee high school sports.

His coaching career continued at Douglass High School (1963-1971) and Southside High School (1971-1972), where he notably led the track team to a TSSAA State Runner-Up position in 1972. His service extended beyond coaching, as he took on the role of an assistant principal at Craigmont High School for nine years (1974-1983) before becoming principal of Cypress Junior High School for eight and a half years (1983-1991).

In 1992, Simon transitioned to the role of Athletic Director for Memphis City Schools, a position he held until 1998. This tenure was marked by significant service to the TSSAA; he was a member of the TSSAA Board of Control from 1986 to 1991 and served as a TSSAA official for football from 1971 to 1984. His lasting impact on high school athletics was further highlighted by his officiation at 15 TSSAA State Track meets.

Throughout his career, Simon accrued various honors including being a two-time All-Conference and an All-American football player at Southern University in 1955, induction into the Southern University Hall of Fame in 1989, and receiving awards of merit from both the NIAAA and TSSAA. His varied roles and long-standing commitment to high school athletics underscored his dedication, leading to his retirement in September 1998 after 40 years of service. Emmitt H. Simon, Jr. passed away on January 28, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to high school sports and education in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 1996
Category: Administrator