Horace Simmons

Celebrating the Life for Mr. Horace “Rico” Simmons

Bless are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted (Matthew, 5:4)

Mr. Horace “Rico” Simmons was born July 24, 1942 in White Hall, South Carolina to the late Ms. Mary Manigualt and William Clifford Simmons. He transitioned from labor to rest on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro, South Carolina.

Horace, affectionally known as Rico attended Colleton High School and later moved and continued his education in Baltimore, Maryland.  He retired from  the City of Walterboro after 25 years of service and went on to open his own plumbing service, landscape and nursery business, and the heart of all his ventures, The Community Action Line Against Violence Program.

Rico loved helping his community and his ministry for outreach was one of exemplary stature. He received numerous accolades from various civic and community organizations to include but limited to:

2015 Grand Marshall for Walterboro Christmas Parade
Honoree by Walterboro Alumnae-Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Picture Awards
Organized the erection of the Dooley Hill Park
Instrumental in the implementation of the neighborhood sidewalks in the Rivers Street/Blanchard Line areas.
Organized the Community Action Line Walk Against Violence.
Organized tours for young men with the Scared Straight Program

Rico was a gentle giant who never met a stranger. He was a true activist and touched the lives of many.

Rico was the youngest of thirteen children of which eleven (11) preceded him in death: Oliver Manigualt; James, Thomas, Primas, Richard, Harold, and Jonas Simmons; Elizabeth Wilson, Eva Baxter, Sarah Wright, and Melvenia Wright.

Also preceding him in death, Mrs. Inez Colleton.

At an early age, Rico accepted Christ into his life. After moving back home from New York, he joined Rock of Ages CME church in Walterboro. During his tenure at Rock of Ages, he served faithfully in many capacities and on various auxiliaries. He served as Usher Board President, Chairman of the Trustee Board, Class Leader, and a member of the Steward Board.  Rico was also an active and faithful member of Widows Mite Lodge #475 of Round, SC until his health failed.

Left to cherish his memories are his devoted children: Roy Brown of Charleston, SC; Delores Owens, Sarah Washington, Diane Washington, Jake Washington (Samantha) all of Walterboro, SC. Kathryn Jackson of Havelock, North Carolina; a grandson he raised as his own, Dedric Owens of Walterboro, SC; one sister, Louise Koger of Baltimore, Maryland; a niece, whom he loved as a sister, Vivian Mustipher; and his great-niece, Lakia Gaines, whom he adored of Sumter, SC; one nephew, William C. Simmons of New York. Sister-in-laws, Vernell Simmons, Elizabeth Simmons, Mary Brown, Betty Brown, Jamie Brown, and Lillie Pearl Salley; and one brother-in-law, Louis Brown, of Walterboro, SC. Seventeen (17) grandchildren, twenty-two (22) great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.