Philip Simmons (1912-2009)
Profession: Master Blacksmith

Carlton Leslie Simmons

(May 16, 1959 – September 11, 2024)

The Philip Simmons Foundation and the Simmons Family are deeply saddened to announce
the passing of Carlton Simmons, Master Blacksmith.

Carlton Simmons, a nephew of the master blacksmith, Philip Simmons (1912-2009), enjoyed the free style design in iron with an eye on nature. He ventured into the blacksmith shop at the age of 13, the same as his uncle and cousin, Joseph Pringle, and there he remained for the next 52 years. Educated in the public schools of Charleston, he remembered his shop classes best. While apprenticing with Mr. Simmons, he honed his craft and began to bring his own visions to life, like that of blooming flowers through a patch of grass that almost appear real, while continuing the legacy and craftsmanship of Philip Simmons.
During the years of working as a team with his uncle and cousin, Carlton participated in the fabrication of many of the gates that the Simmons Blacksmith Shop is known for. These gates widely adorn and help to beautify the city of Charleston. In his own right, Carlton’s hearts, fish, and plant hangers became a “must have” for those who visited the shop in Charleston.
In 2016, Carlton created the entrance gate to an circa 1843 chimney that supplied bricks to many of the plantations throughout the state. The chimney is located on the grounds of the Brickyard Plantation in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Along with the opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smithsonian Institution, a modern ironwork by Carlton Simmons is included in a permanent display along with his mentor and uncle, Philip Simmons.
In August 2017, Philip Simmons High School opened to students in Berkeley County. Carlton crafted the sign that bears the name of the school, named for his uncle. In 2021, Carlton designed five additional pieces, which are prominently displayed in the school.
Carlton’s recent work at the International African American Museum in Charleston, SC displays his superior craftsmanship and his attention to detail. The entrance wall pieces symbolize our journey…the “Fish” at the left stairs represent “How we came here”, and the right, “Butterfly”, represents “We’re standing on our feet and getting ready to fly”.
Carlton’s designs will live on at the entrance gate to the Emanuel Nine Memorial and gates to the Anson African Burial Memorial, which are being fabricated by others for unveiling in the near future. Carlton stated that his legacy would be the same as that of his uncle and mentor, “Always care about the craft and always try to make the customer happy. And above all, never put up a shabby job.”
Carlton Simmons, aka, “Cornbread” took his final flight on the morning of Wednesday, September 11, 2024. He will be laid to rest 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at the Alfred Williams Community Life Center, 4441 Durant Avenue in North Charleston, SC.