Long-time profession still loved by roofer

At 70 years old, Daniel Simon continues to enjoy his passion for climbing ladders and repairing roofs.

Mr. Simon, who runs Simon Roofing, says he's always had a penchant for roof repairs, even during the midst of Augusta's hottest summer days.

Mr. Simon said he learned the value of hard work as a farm hand in Williston, S.C. He grew up as the eldest of six children and unlike his younger siblings, he was the only one expected to work the fields. As a young farmer, he learned to grow corn, cotton and peanuts.

When the Department of Energy purchased land near Ellenton to build Savannah River Site, Mr. Simon's parents moved to Augusta.

When Mr. Simon was 17, he was introduced to the roofing craft by Eugene Robinson.

"He had retired and was letting me take over the business," Mr. Simon said.

After more than 20 years of working as Mr. Robinson's assistant, Mr. Simon took over in 1970, changing the business' name.

He said Mr. Robinson taught him how to run a crew "and to stand up for yourself and to demand respect."

In September, Augusta Mayor Deke Copenhaver presented Simon Roofing a proclamation for its distinguished and long-term service to the community. The award also acknowledged Mr. Simon's 70th birthday.

Mr. Simon belongs to the 25 Gents social club of Augusta and a local savings club. He said he and fellow members of the 25 Gents club charter bus trips for less-advantaged youths. They attend pro football and baseball games in Atlanta, he said. Mr. Simon is an Atlanta Falcons season-ticket holder.

Ronza Hankinson, 42, is one of Mr. Simon's many nieces.

"He's very special to our family. We love him dearly and want everyone to recognize how much we honor him," she said.

In recent years, Mr. Simon said his age has kept him from working on higher, steeper rooftops, but if the situation requires he'll go up to supervise younger employees'.

Many of their jobs include removing tin from older homes and replacing it with plywood or 20- to 25-year shingles, he said.

In summer months, a job might start at 6 a.m. and "knock off" when it gets too hot, he said. In winter, they'll start at 8 a.m. and stop by 4:30 p.m.

"We work all year-round. It's the kind of work I've always done and I still love it," Mr. Simons said.

Reach Timothy Cox at (706) 823-3217 or tim.cox@augustachronicle.com.