Obituary for Roland "Buddy Boy" Simon
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Roland Simon entered into eternal peace on Monday, July 27, 2020.
On March 26, 1932 in Bishopville, South Carolina, a healthy baby boy affectionately nicknamed "Buddy Boy" was born to the late Jesse "Moot" and Mary York Simon. Roland was the ninth child out of thirteen children in which he has joined eleven of them in heaven; three brothers and eight sisters who preceded him in death. Roland loved his family.
Roland attended the public schools of Lee County, in addition to working on the Simon family farm. After attending school, he enlisted into the military and served honorably in the Army for two years. After serving in the military, Roland relocated to New York City where he lived for more than 50 years. For many years, he worked with an optical company where he designed eye wear. After the company relocated to another area, he sought work as a floor installer and finisher. After mastering this craft, he became an independent contractor, owning his own hardwood flooring business for many year. He took the time to teach young black males the craft. His skills as a floor installer and finisher, landed him a contract to complete the homes of Actress Mary Tyler Moore and other celebrities. He also taught his children and others on how to care for hardwood floors. After his retirement in New York, he continued his successful business even after he relocated to Bishopville, in addition to working with the family business, Square Deal Funeral Home.
He accepted Christ at a young age and joined Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Bishopville where he received his Christian experience. He traveled to and from New York and Bishopville several times a year to see his family. And while in Bishopville, he loved to garden and go fishing during his spare time. Roland shared much of what he harvested with family and friends. Roland was a soft speaker with a loving heart and was always very kind and giving to others.
Roland leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his children, Janie Yvonne Alford, Carlean Alford, Brenda Alford-Daniels (Burry), all of Cleveland, OH, Louis Simon, Ronnie Simon (Willistine), and Linda Dizzley (James) all of Bishopville, SC, and Mary Simon of Yonkers, NY; eight grandchildren, Lamontae Murphy (Tracey of Waldorf, MD, Lakeisha Wilson (Cedric) of Brandywine, MD, Sheleea Leonard (Travis) of Charlotte, NC, Carlos Simon of Charlotte, NC, Mia Alford (Catlin) and Eboni Daniels of Cleveland, Ohio, CSM Terrence Reyes of Alabama, and Sherika Rose of Bishopville, SC; ten great-grandchildren; his caring wife, Lillie Mae Grimes Simon; one sister, Carrie Simon Dizzley; four sisters-in-law, Jannett Simon, Essie Mae Trapp, Doshie Stevens of Bishopville and Louise Bells of Columbia, SC; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
A special thanks to Mrs. Gladys Titus for the excellent care she provided to Roland during his illness.
Roland Simon entered into eternal peace on Monday, July 27, 2020.
On March 26, 1932 in Bishopville, South Carolina, a healthy baby boy affectionately nicknamed "Buddy Boy" was born to the late Jesse "Moot" and Mary York Simon. Roland was the ninth child out of thirteen children in which he has joined eleven of them in heaven; three brothers and eight sisters who preceded him in death. Roland loved his family.
Roland attended the public schools of Lee County, in addition to working on the Simon family farm. After attending school, he enlisted into the military and served honorably in the Army for two years. After serving in the military, Roland relocated to New York City where he lived for more than 50 years. For many years, he worked with an optical company where he designed eye wear. After the company relocated to another area, he sought work as a floor installer and finisher. After mastering this craft, he became an independent contractor, owning his own hardwood flooring business for many year. He took the time to teach young black males the craft. His skills as a floor installer and finisher, landed him a contract to complete the homes of Actress Mary Tyler Moore and other celebrities. He also taught his children and others on how to care for hardwood floors. After his retirement in New York, he continued his successful business even after he relocated to Bishopville, in addition to working with the family business, Square Deal Funeral Home.
He accepted Christ at a young age and joined Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Bishopville where he received his Christian experience. He traveled to and from New York and Bishopville several times a year to see his family. And while in Bishopville, he loved to garden and go fishing during his spare time. Roland shared much of what he harvested with family and friends. Roland was a soft speaker with a loving heart and was always very kind and giving to others.
Roland leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his children, Janie Yvonne Alford, Carlean Alford, Brenda Alford-Daniels (Burry), all of Cleveland, OH, Louis Simon, Ronnie Simon (Willistine), and Linda Dizzley (James) all of Bishopville, SC, and Mary Simon of Yonkers, NY; eight grandchildren, Lamontae Murphy (Tracey of Waldorf, MD, Lakeisha Wilson (Cedric) of Brandywine, MD, Sheleea Leonard (Travis) of Charlotte, NC, Carlos Simon of Charlotte, NC, Mia Alford (Catlin) and Eboni Daniels of Cleveland, Ohio, CSM Terrence Reyes of Alabama, and Sherika Rose of Bishopville, SC; ten great-grandchildren; his caring wife, Lillie Mae Grimes Simon; one sister, Carrie Simon Dizzley; four sisters-in-law, Jannett Simon, Essie Mae Trapp, Doshie Stevens of Bishopville and Louise Bells of Columbia, SC; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
A special thanks to Mrs. Gladys Titus for the excellent care she provided to Roland during his illness.