Simeon Nix, Bell Shoals worship leader, dies at 47

Aug 17, 2008

BRANDON (FBW)-Simeon Nix, 47, pastor of music and worship at Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon, passed away Sunday morning after suffering an apparent heart attack Sat., Aug. 16 at his home.

Nix had been at Bell Shoals Baptist Church for more than a dozen years. In May, the beloved music leader led thousands at the church’s new worship center in a Celebration of Life service for thier pastor, Forrest Pollock, and Pollock’s son, Preston, who perished in a tragic plane accident in North Carolina.

Directing an anthem, Greater Glory, he said Pollock asked him to compose for the church’s June 1 building dedication, Nix led the service with dignity, but with hope.

The Bell Shoals Baptist Church website said Nix initially suffered a heart attack Aug. 12, but was treated and subsequently released from the hospital Aug 15 to return home to recuperate. He apparently also was diabetic.

“It is with deepest regret that we inform you that our Pastor of Music and Worship, Simeon Nix, has passed into the presence of God,” the website reads. “We appreciate your concern for Beth and the children and request that you would lift them up in prayer during this difficult time. We ask that you please respect their privacy and do not attempt to contact them at this time.”

The website, at www.bellshoals.com, says it will be updated as more information is available.

Nix earned the masters of church music in voice from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1988 and the bachelors of church music from Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. in 1983. He served churches in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida and was a featured artist and speaker for workshops, revivals, crusades, conferences and conventions in the United States as well as a number of international events.

In addition, Nix sang for The Brooklyn Tabernacle, The International Baptist Convention in Interlaken, Switzerland, “Meet Jesus” Crusades in Heidelburg and Stuttgart, Germany, the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting as well as many other conferences and events. Simeon led seminars and workshops on worship, adult choirs and youth choirs. He and his adult choir and orchestra were featured at the Southern Baptist Convention, Florida Baptist Pastors’ Conference, and the Florida Baptist Evangelism conference. Simeon led the Celebration Choir to record two Christmas projects, a worship project with Integrity Hosanna called, “God In Us” and a live worship project called “Days of Elijah.”

In 1997, Nix recorded a project entitled "I Will Abide,” and in 2000 "A Journey of Grace," produced by Jay Rouse and Randy Vader at Gaither Studios in Indiana.

Nix is survived by his wife, Beth, and two children, Bre’Ana Alysse and Sterling Andrew.

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