Daniel Lee Simmons Sr

People

Daniel Lee Simmons Sr

Outcome

unknown

Reverend Daniel Lee Simmons Sr. (1941 – June 17, 2015) was a retired pastor, Vietnam War veteran, and Purple Heart recipient who was assassinated along with eight other congregants during a Wednesday night Bible study session at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church by white supremacist Dylann Roof. At 74 years old, Simmons was a fourth-generation preacher known as "Dapper Dan" for his penchant for shiny shoes, crisp suits, and fine hats. He was the only victim to survive the initial attack long enough to reach a hospital, but died during surgery. He was hailed as a hero for attempting to reach Pastor Clementa Pinckney, who was the first to fall from Roof's volley of gunfire. Daniel Simmons Sr. graduated early from high school in Mullins, South Carolina, attending Palmetto High School. He worked his way through college, eventually earning a Bachelor's degree from Allen University, a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, and a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran Seminary. He was accustomed to reaching his goals. Simmons served in the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. After his military service, he pursued his calling to ministry. He was a fourth-generation preacher and served as pastor at multiple Charleston-area churches. From 2004 to 2009, he was pastor of Greater Zion AME Church in Awendaw, where parishioners remembered him as a talented teacher and compassionate leader. By the time of his death, Simmons was retired from his own pulpit but continued to serve at Emanuel AME Church, assisting the overstretched pastor Clementa Pinckney. At 74, he still led Bible study most Wednesdays, putting his heart into the weekly lessons. He was known as a gentle, dependable man with an easy smile and good sense of humor. Throughout his career, Simmons harbored ambitions of becoming a bishop—a prestigious post in the national AME hierarchy. Every four years, he put himself up for election, but this goal eluded him. On June 17, 2015, Simmons was leading Bible study at Emanuel AME Church when Dylann Roof opened fire. After being shot, Simmons attempted to reach Pastor Pinckney to help him. He was the only victim to survive long enough to be transported to a hospital, but he died during surgery. He was the last of the nine victims to be buried, on July 2, 2015. The documentary "One Last Breath: The Daniel Simmons Story" explores his life, from his rural upbringing to his decades of service as a pastor. To preserve his legacy, the Simmons family launched the nonprofit Hate Won't Win Movement to unite society and bridge differences. His daughter, Rose Simmons, became a national advocate for faith-based healing and gun violence prevention.