Charles E. Simons III

Charles (Chuck) E. Simons, III

November 24, 2025

Aiken, South Carolina - The Honorable Charles (Chuck) E. Simons, III, 83, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away in his sleep in the early hours of Monday, November 24, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at St. John's Methodist Church in Aiken with a reception in Ward Hall following the service.

The oldest son of The Honorable Charles E. Simons, Jr. and Mrs. Jean K. Simons, Chuck was born in Aiken, SC. He spent over 70 years of his life in Aiken. He often quoted a fellow Aikenite, "If you're lucky enough to live in Aiken, you're lucky enough!" He loved the state of South Carolina and in particular, Aiken. He graduated from Aiken High School, having served as Student Body President. He went on to play collegiate golf for the University of South Carolina, graduating with a Bachelors in Arts in English followed by the University of South Carolina School of Law. He direct commissioned into the US Navy Jag Corps following his graduation from law school.

After service to his country, Chuck returned to Aiken where he joined the Law Firm of Lybrand, Rich, Cain, and Simons. He ultimately became a solo practitioner. Collectively, he practiced law in Aiken for over 40 years. In addition to being an attorney, he served as the Aiken City Judge for 20 years. He was a member of the Aiken Businessmen's Club and the Aiken Rotary Club as well as on the Board for Palmetto Federal Bank and Regions Bank during the height of his career. He was on the Board of Trustees for the University of South Carolina in Columbia for 12 years, a member of St. John's Methodist Church for over 40 years, and a longtime member of the Palmetto Golf Club.

As a child, he spent the summers in upstate New York near his mother's hometown and enjoyed sharing fond memories from his time up there. He loved his family fiercely and was a loyal son, brother, and father. He would often speak of his grandparents and his parents tearing up at times and was so proud of his siblings. He had one child, a daughter, Whitney, with whom he shared a special bond. They played many a round of golf together. He loved to watch her play golf and often displayed more emotion than she did about her game.

He was a Gamecock fan from beginning to end. He spent much of his time driving to Columbia to watch the Gamecocks play. He had an impeccable memory, and it could often be found on full display when recounting football scores from any year.

He had a quick wit and handed out one-liners without missing a beat. His command of the English language was impressive, especially considering his main focus of study was the sports page of the newspaper. Toward the end of his life, he could be found reciting the Lord's Prayer to himself out loud rightfully recalling the holiness of God and all that He had done for him.

For the last five years of his life, he was well cared for by many caregivers, doctors, and staff to whom the family is very grateful. He lived a full life. It is a joy to know he is in the presence of his Savior, reunited with loved ones from years past, and restored anew.

Chuck is survived by his daughter Whitney Simons, her mother Elizabeth (Betsy) Simons, three siblings Paul K. Simons (Martha), Richard B. Simons, and Jean S. Smith (Ian) along with nieces, nephews, and a great niece and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hitchcock Woods Foundation and First Tee of Aiken.

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801