South Carolina S 571: Social Work Month Naming

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 571 Text of Previous Version (Apr. 16, 2025) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 571

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A senate RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE 
HONORABLE DONALD JEFFREY SIMONS, MAGISTRATE JUDGE FOR RICHLAND COUNTY, UPON THE 
OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BENCH AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND 
HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate have learned that 
the Honorable Donald Jeffrey Simons, magistrate judge for Richland County, will 
begin a well-deserved retirement on June 30, 2025, after a distinguished legal 
career of many years in the Palmetto State; and

Whereas, born on July 30, 1952, in Eastover, Judge Simons was the 
eleventh child of Constinee and Christabel Simons. Growing up in a large family 
instilled in him a strong sense of responsibility, hard work, and the 
importance of community. He graduated from Weber High School in Eastover, where 
his early education laid the foundation for his future accomplishments. After 
high school, he earned an associate degree in business administration from 
Midlands Technical College and further advanced his career by obtaining a 
bachelor's degree in construction management from Ashford University. His 
educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to excel in the 
construction industry; and

Whereas, in 1977, he became president and owner of DJ Simons 
Construction Company Inc., serving as a general contractor for various 
commercial, industrial, and residential projects until 1994. His innovative 
approach and pioneering spirit made him a respected figure in the construction 
community. In addition to his business pursuits, he is deeply involved in civic 
engagement and community service, and his commitment and contributions to his 
community led to his appointment to serve as a commissioner for the South Carolina 
State Fire Commission, as well as for the Richland and Lexington County Airport 
Commission; and

Whereas, in 1992, he was appointed by the South Carolina General 
Assembly as a magistrate judge for Richland County, where he has served as the 
Eastover magistrate. He moreover served as chief magistrate of Richland County 
for eight years. He is known for his impartiality, fairness, and dedication to 
justice, characteristics that have earned the respect of colleagues and 
community members alike; and

Whereas, his leadership extends beyond the courtroom. He is the 
former president of the Lower Richland Development Council and held memberships 
in several prestigious organizations, including the South Carolina Builders 
Association, National Homebuilders Association, Greater Columbia Chamber of 
Commerce, and National Judges Association. One of his notable contributions 
includes leading the operations and oversight of the planning, research, and 
construction of the Richland County Decker Center, which serves as the home for 
the Richland County Magistrate Central Court, Richland County Sheriff's 
Department Substation, and Richland County Master in Equity Office; and

Whereas, this man of faith, a lifelong member of Antioch AME Zion 
Church, is also a family-oriented man. He finds strong support in his wife, 
Susan, and their five children and seven grandchildren. His passion for 
fishing, developed at a young age with his father, remains a cherished pastime. 
Throughout his life, he has been recognized as an innovative leader, a 
dedicated entrepreneur, and an advocate for civic engagement and community 
service. His unwavering commitment to his faith, family, community, and work 
has made him a respected figure and a leader in the Lower Richland community, 
where his legacy continues to inspire others; and

Whereas, the Senate is grateful for the legacy of leadership and 
jurisprudence Judge Simons has bestowed on his home State and appreciates his 
long and enduring service. His admirers, who are legion, wish him well as he 
enters retirement and trust he will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely 
pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South 
Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize 
and commend the Honorable Donald Jeffrey Simons, magistrate judge for Richland 
County, upon the occasion of his retirement from the bench and wish him 
continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy 
of this resolution be presented to the Honorable Donald Jeffrey Simons.

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This web page was last updated on April 16, 2025 at 01:25 PM