Alvin James Simmons, Sr.

Alvin James Simmons, Sr., 88, of James Island, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Born on January 25, 1937, in Charleston, SC, he was the son of Grover Simmons and Aida Mitz Simmons.

Alvin fell in love with his high school sweetheart, Rosalyn Simmons, while attending James Island High School. Alvin played for the first James Island Ram football team and Rosalyn was a cheerleader for James Island High School. They were married for 49 years and had one son, Al Jr.

Alvin enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in Germany for the majority of his service. He got out of the army after two years to be with his wife Rosalyn that he loved dearly. He became a pipe fitter / plumber and worked for C.R. Hipp, the Paper Mill, The Navy Yard then Grady Williams Plumbing where he retired.

He was a loving husband and father who had a servant’s heart for helping others. If anyone asked him to help them with a plumbing project, fixing something broken, build them a swing bed or just to provide them company his answer was always, “Yes, I’ll be there shortly”. He never charged anything because he believed that is what you do for your family and friends! Alvin never met a person who didn’t immediately fall in love with him. He had a personality and smile that welcomed people.

Alvin loved his ten siblings as they were a very close family. He enjoyed socializing with friends and family, especially with his sister Pat and her husband Tom. Alvin and Tom became the best of friends who were hard to separate. He was a member at the Rifle Club, the American Legion and the VFW. He loved to dance, building things out of wood and helping others. He will be missed by many!!

Alvin is preceded in death by: His wife Rosalyn C. Simmons, his sisters Pat Lindberg, Carolyn Simmons, Judy Simmons, Brenda Simmons, Ramona Simmons and his brothers Wilbur Simmons, Harry Simmons, Billy Simmons and Kenny Simmons.

Alvin is survived by his son, Alvin (Al) James Simmons Jr. and his sister, Janette Molizon.

The family will receive friends on Monday, December 29, 2025, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, James Island Chapel, 347 Folly Road Charleston, SC 29412.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at James Island Baptist Church, 2023 Wappoo Drive Charleston, SC 29412. Burial will follow at Live Oak Memorial Gardens, 3093 Ashley River Road Charleston, SC 29414.

We will be having a Celebration of Life for Alvin at the American Legion at 3:00pm after his burial. The address is 968 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412.

In lieu of flowers, canned good donations and / or monetary donations may be made to The James Island Outreach. https://www.jioutreach.org/

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd, Charleston, SC 29412, 843-814-8494.