Funeral Services Held for Rev. Daniel Simmons

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Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — On Thursday, funeral services were held for Reverend Daniel Simmons at Bethel AME Church. “We celebrate today, God and a good man,” said long-time neighbor Harrison Rearden. In a final goodbye, friends and family filled Bethel AME Church to remember Reverend Daniel Simmons Sr., one of the 9 victims in the Charleston shooting. “Dan Simmons was not only family, he was a friend,” said cousin Alfonzo Miller. “He was confident and a confidant.” With people packing every pew, the choir sang and brought the community to their feet in an emotional but joyous celebration of Reverend Simmons life, a former military man, devoted pastor and family man many say they knew as ‘Super Simmons.’ “It was a complete expression of who he was, he was a super gentleman and he was a super friend,” said Reverend Michael Simmons. “To this day there are more people who know him by Super Simmons than Reverend Daniel Simmons Sr.” Fighting back tears, Reverend Simmons’ daughter Rose, alongside her brother, delivered an emotional tribute about their father. “I know him as Daddy,” said Rose Ann Simmons. “I’ve been told all my life that ‘you are just like your daddy,’ and for a long time I did not want to admit that but the older I get, I realize I am just like my daddy.” Reverend Simmons was 74 when he died in the church massacre at Emanuel AME in Charleston. He was laid to rest Thursday at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.