David Simmons named 2014 Citizen of the Year

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Rev. David Simmons was named the 2014 Citizen of the Year by the Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce, it was announced Tuesday night at a banquet held at Green Valley Country Club.

Sponsored by the Bank of Travelers Rest, the award is presented to "someone who has gone above and beyond in recent times to improve the quality of life in our community."

Simmons, who has served as the pastor of Reedy River Baptist Church since 2008, is a North Greenville Food Crisis Ministry boardmember and a member of the Three Rivers Baptist Association, which he was instrumental in helping to form. In addition to being a community motivator, Simmons actively volunteers at White Horse Academy/The Pheonix Center, where he also leads a bi-weekly Bible class.

“If he finds someone that needs shoes, he will make sure they have them,” said Bank of Travelers Rest president Bruce White prior to presenting the award. “If he knows they need a job, he will help them find one.”

“This man simply loves all people in our community, and he is an example of Jesus' unconditional love,” White added.

Raymond and Brynda Brown, who received the Citizen of the Year award in 2007, served as the keynote speakers at Tuesday night's banquet.

In addition to the Browns, other past winners of the award include Winn Freeman (2013), former Travelers Rest Mayor Roy Reynolds (2012), Mann Batson (2011), Dr. James E. Barnett Sr. (2010), Clyde Carr (2009), Dot Bishop (2008), Terry and Lee Cross and "Our Gang” (2006), Linda Garland (2005), Dianne Drummond (2004), Carolyn Crosby (2003) and Virginia Whitmire (2002).