Phillip Simmons Obituary

I loved Mr. Simmons and his skills and creativity. I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. In the summer I would go to Charleston and visit with my cousins. I fell in love watching the women in the market creating the baskets which currently adorn my home in Atlanta. I remember watching Mr. Simmons creating wrought iron Adinkra symbols. So beautiful. I started stopping by to see his work and later, when I worked with the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta I would take teachers and friends to Charleston to meet Mr. Simmons. He was not only an amazing craftsman but he was always so kind and patient. Rest in peace. I will continue to share your work with the next generation.

we feel so fortunate to have visited Mr. Simmons in his home a few years ago. Such an interesting and humble artist. What a legacy he has left for all time.

We met Mr. Simmons a few years ago, and were impressed with his humility and friendliness. He had such talent, and he will be greatly missed.

My prayers go out to the family of Mr. Phillip Simmons. May God's love comfort you in your time of bereavement. May Mr. Simmon's legacy continue on to future generations.

TO THE SIMMONS FAMILY
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS
ROSIE AND FAMILY
CONTACT ME

To Ms. Lillian and Family:
I am so happy to have had the priviledge of being one of Mr. Simmons' caretakers at Bishop Gadsden. He was truly a kind and gentle man with a sweet soul whose answer to a simple question was "Yes Ma'am". So to "Grampa" from "Wadmalaw":Sleep on and take your rest, we love you but God loves you best.

As a young boy growing up on Laurens Street, we would be at Mr. Simmons's show to watch him, when he let us. It was not only about his work but it was about life in general. He talked to us about being productive black men and this was in the mid sixties. it was not always about his work but he had an effect on many lives of the people he passed by, including mine. To the Simmons family, I thank you for letting him be in mine if it was only a for a short time. Alan it is up to you to keep the tradition going in the familiy. May the lord watch over youin your time of need. God bless you.

We have lost a great man, great husband, great father, great mentor, great artist, great teacher and great story teller. Our prayers go to the family.

may the wonderful memories that Mr. Simmons has created for us all remain with us for all time ~ he greatly influenced my life

To the Simmons Family:

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. Having been reared in St. John's R.E. Church and growing up next door to Mr. Phillip, I can say that I've known him all of my life. Not only was he a renowned blacksmith, but he was also a kind and benevolent person. I have memories of him traveling with my parents (William and Lavinia Legare) to take me off to my first day of college. I recall how hard he and my father struggled to get my overpacked trunk up three flights of stairs. I'll always be appreciative of him for cancelling his plans that day to help me enter a new chapter in my life.

Mr. Phillip's reputation as a talented and accomplished blacksmith transcended well beyond Charleston. Throughout my adult years, many people who found out that I was originally from Charleston would ask me if I knew Mr. Phillip Simmons. I was always proud to say that I did. Indeed, he was a phenomenal man who will be missed by those who knew him, as well as others who knew of him and his remarkable work.

I pray that God will continue to comfort your family and grant each of you perseverance as you try to cope with the passing of Mr. Phillip.

Laverne Legare Long & Family

In 1973 I first met Mr.Simmons. I was handling an insurance claim that involved damage to a fence on Meeting Steet. I will never forget that meeting with him. He told me some old stories about Charleston when he was a young man and dispite all the problems that existed at that time Mr. Simmons never displayed any bitterness and sittimg there with him for half and hour back then is something I will always remember.I sulute him for he was a very fine craftsman and a very nice southern gentelman.

To the Simmons family,
I met your loved one many years ago. I am happy that he took the time to visit the Polaris Missile Facility for Black History Month to share his Craftmanship of Iron. May you carry that awesome baton of his trade so the world will never forget the talent that lies within. May God grant you peace.

"A Craftsman and an Icon, but most of all a dedicated USHER."

TO: The family of the late Bro. Simmons

As a young usher from Central RMUE church. I will always remember Bro. Simmons for his unconditional dedication to Usher's Council #1 during their annual summer pinics and conventions. I was always inspired by Bro. Simmons smile, wisdom and dedication to the council.

A good solider have been USHERED on, but he will never be forgotten.

Bro Simmons,
Sit down servant, sit down, Sit down servant, sit down, Sit down servant, sit down, Sit down and rest a little while...
May we continue to have a servants hearts such as you...

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Phillips Simmons will forever be an iconic Charlestonian. His craft will never be duplicated. He lived a long and purposeful life. My condolences to his family.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Rejoice in the LORD always and again i say Rejoice.Philp.4-4 Gone but never forgotten GOD BLESS you all doing your time of sorrow.

Sorrowfully Yours,
The Simmons&Pinckney

Thank You! When I found out that I was realted through marriage I was over the moon, then I got to meet you tour your home,bathe in your warmth and knowledge and I new then that I was blessed to be a family member.

Sincere condolences on the loss of an Icon in Charleston History. His iron works will always remind us of the contributions he's made to Charleston.
I'll miss Greeting him at the restaurant.
May his memory be a blessing.

Sis. Alma& Bro. Harry green and Family:
I am praying the peace of God that passes all understanding be yours now. Mr. simmons was an old neighbor of my kids and I. My grandson, Whitney "Lamont" Clark did a piece for his class at Benedict College that featured Mr. Simmons at his shop. He was really impressed with him.I saw the influence he had with the young people at the old jail on Magazine St.; he was proud of the wooden bird they ngave him. He boasted of the short period of time it took to make the art. At his age, he was yet moved by the Arts!
God Bless All of You.

To the Simmons family, thank you for sharing this man with us.

To brother and sister smiths world over, it is the duty of the apprentice to exceed the master. Strive to do at least as much and enliven at least as many.

To the Simmons family: thank you all for sharing this wonderful man with Charleston, SC, the Reformed Episcopal Church and the world. I have known Mr. Simmons since I was a little girl. I feel so blessed to have known him and to have him bless my life with his wisdom. I am so fortunate that he lived to bless my own children and my students. I will miss his smile, our talks, his advice and his wisdom. He will live on forever in our hearts, in his ironwork and through the many documentation projects. I feel honored and blessed to have known and loved this GREAT GIANT, legend, and icon. He was known world wide but still kept his humble, gentle spirit... what an example for all of us.

What A Warrior!
I am thankful our lives was touch with such a kindred spirit.
May God Keep each one of you.
Regards,

Moses & Chloe Backman
Mt.Olivet R.E. Church

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THE SIMMONS
FAMILY.WE WILL REMEMBER ALL OF YOU IN OUR PRAYERS. FROM:WILLIAM J.LEGARE/WIFE
LIVINIA LEGARE(DECEASED/MEMBERS OF ST.
JOHN R.E.CHURCH). WITH PRAYFUL THOUGHTS
AND LOVE................Theresa Legare Williams Tallahassee, Florida

To The Family:

A national treasure has left this side, gone to a better place of rest.

May God comfort us all during this difficult time. Mr. Simmons has carved his foot prints into the path of Charleston like no one else can.

He will now receive a just reward, his labor was not in vain.

F.E.E.D. 'eM MINISTRIES

My family's thoughts and prayers go out to the Simmons' Family at this sad time. Phillips Simmons has been a true inspiration to our family, particularly, our son, Kyle, who just graduated this May from the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, SC. as a member of the Inaugural Class of 2009. I remember very well meeting and speaking with Mr. Simmons at the Inaugural Convocation in 2004. It was an exciting day and he was very proud of the new college and new students who were there to teach and learn the building arts in a way that had not been done before in this country. I was also very impressed when the frail Mr. Simmons arrived at the graduation of the Inaugural Class this May to show his continued support. Mr. Simmons, because of the inspiration you have so willingly shared, a dying artform, your art of blacksmithing, will live on!

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

The American College of the Building Arts is very sad to have lost their friend, mentor, and Inspirational Founder. His legacy will forge on through our teachings, and he will always be remembered by our students, faculty and friends of ACBA.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

To the family of the late Phillip Simmons

He is gone but his work is still here in the heart of Charleston. May God continue to bless you and be with you in you time of need.

The family of Phillip Simmons can rest assured that his life was one that everyone should aspire to live. He leaves an imprint on this world that time will not erase. Thank you, Mr. Simmons, for the beautiful creations that you leave behind.

Thank you Mr. Simmons for sharing your craftmanship with the people of Charleston as well as the visitors to the city. I took some historic preservation/Charleston history classes at the College of Charleston and I learned about you and your craft. I have the utmost admiration for your humility and skills as a blacksmith. You will be missed, Mr.Simmons.

To The Simmons Family:
Truely, Mr.Simmons will be missed but, as we stroll through charleston we can see his beautiful works all around us. May you find comfort in the promises of God and the Love of friends.

Thanks to Mr. Simmons for all the beautiful works of art that he contributed to Charleston. Blessings to his family during this time. I have been a fan of his work since I was a child and will always remember him!

Yet another angel on Earth is back in Heaven. What a great man and great life he led. An inspiration to many, yet so very humble if you had the pleasure of meeting him.

May God comfort his family and dear friends.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

I am sorry for your loss. May God be with you in your time of need.

Lillian & Family;

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of the joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

To The Simmons Family,

When you lose someone very precious, no one else can really know all that you feel. But, please know that others are thinking of you always.

Thank you Mr. Simmons for your contributions to not only our State but our World. Your work will be cherished for many years to come. Those who knew you personally should be honored. May your work continue through those you have trained.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of bereavement.

Please accept for yourself, and all who mourn with you, our assurance of heartfelt sympathy.

William and Inez Bowser, Lake City, SC

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.