The Lowcountry mourns the passing of a local legend, renown blacksmith Philip Simmons died Monday night at Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community.
97-year-old Philip Simmons, hailed as America's premiere blacksmith died surrounded by family. His first cousin Joseph Pringle worked in this blacksmith shop in downtown Charleston for more than 50 years. Pringle says, "It is a big loss for the whole family."
Rev. Ron Satterfield is pastor of St. John's reformed episcopal church where Simmons was a member. A garden is named in his honor here. Satterfield says, "I just loved the man. He was a giving person and just loved people." Rev. Satterfield says Mr. Simmons planned his own funeral more than a year ago. He says, "He sat down and planned his funeral to the tee. He wanted it simple. He didn't want a lot of bru-ha-ha. He wanted it as he lived. I asked him if there was anything specific he wanted me to say, he said just tell them I got along with everybody including God."
Satterfield say Simmons was a simple man, who did not boast about his many accomplishments. He says, "He was the same Philip from day one to the end. When you met Philip Simmons, you knew you had met him. He's irreplaceable."
Philip Simmons created more than 500 wrought iron gates, fences, balconies and window grills. His masterful work grace the streets of Charleston from end to end. Mayor Joe Riley says, "We are very saddened at the loss of our wonderful friend Philip Simmons. His beautiful artistic creations grace the Holy City of Charleston throughout the downtown and beyond. It's all around you. The monument to philip simmons is throughout our city and always will be."
Those he knew him best say after all his hard work and dedication, he's now at rest. His cousin Joseph Pringle says, "He would say i'm finally home. I believe he's up there behind the pearly gates, walking through the pearly gates. I hope he don't try to alter them gates now."
As a special tribute to Philip Simmons, the City of Charleston will place white ribbons on all Philip Simmons ironwork in its parks, and they invite everyone to place white ribbons on their wrought iron gates or railings, whether or not they are Philip Simmons's piece.
The funeral is scheduled for Saturday June 27th at 11am at St. John's Church on Anson street. A community memorial will be held at Gailliard Auditorium Friday night, June 26th at 7pm to allow everyone an opportunity to pay respect.
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