Sydney Charles Simmons

Sydney Charles Simmons, 55, a lifelong resident of Pickens, SC, passed away on June 30, 2016 at Hilton Head Hospital in Hilton Head, SC. Sydney was born on February 3, 1961 in Easley, SC to Emma Jean Gilstrap Simmons beard and the late Charles Edward Simmons. Sydney was a graduate of Pickens High School in 1979 and Clemson University in 1983 where he was a member of the Marching Tiger Band. He worked fulltime as the manager of Cindy’s Old Time Hamburgers in Pickens while attending Clemson for his accounting degree. He passed the certified public accountant exam in one sitting and rose to senior manager at KPMG in Greenville, SC until he medically retired. Sydney defied the odds living 25 years after brain cancer. He bravely and optimistically moved forward marrying Cathlin and together raising two children who were the light of his life. Again four years ago, Sydney with a competitive spirit overcame a pulmonary embolism which caused cardiac arrest. His path was tougher but he worked hard to recover; he and his family cherished the extra time they had together traveling, and watching and attending sports events. Sydney is survived by his son, Charles Edward Simmons of Pickens, SC; daughter, Jennifer Anne Simmons of Piedmont, SC; brother, Samuel Simmons (Kristi) of Pickens, SC; and sister, Susan Simmons (Russell Chambers) of Chapin and Hilton Head, SC. He is also survived by his mother Jean Beard and stepfather Rev. Arnold M. Beard and the Beard siblings: Rena (Phil) Quist, Brian (Laura) Beard, and Jena (Richard) Edwards, all of Pickens County. Services will be held in the sanctuary of Pickens View Wesleyan Church, in Pickens, South Carolina on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., preceded by family visitation and celebration of life in the church’s Heritage Hall from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Burial will follow nearby at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Pickens High School Class of 1979 graduates, the Men of Flame, and accounting professionals who worked with Sydney or his sister Susan will be honorary pall bearers. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Sydney C. Simmons Scholarship Fund for a deserving Clemson University Marching Band student. In order to finance his education, Sydney was only able to participate in the band one year. He hopes this scholarship will allow others to enjoy the Tiger Band experience. Tax-deductible contributions can be mailed to Sun Trust Bank, 210 W. Cedar Rock St., Pickens, SC 29671 or deposited in person at any Sun Trust branch. Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is assisting the family with arrangements.