Mr. James "Sonny" Clay Zimmerman

Obituary For Mr. James "Sonny" Clay Zimmerman

Funeral services for Mr. James “Sonny” Clay Zimmerman, 91, of Orangeburg, SC, will be held 11:00am, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, with interment to follow 10:00am, Friday, April 11, 2025, at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia.

Mr. Zimmerman passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia.

James “Sonny” Zimmerman was born on October 13, 1933 in St. Matthews, South Carolina to the late Harry Zimmerman and the late Coria E. Zimmerman. Affectionately called Sonny, he was raised in a Christian home by a loving family. He joined the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Cameron, South Carolina at an early age. Sonny received his formal education at Wilkinson High School, where he graduated with the class of 1951. In 1952 he joined the US Army and was honorably discharged in 1955.

After a few years in Detroit, Michigan, Sonny migrated to New York, City where he met the love of his life, the late Dorothy Mae Taylor. To this beautiful Union, they were blessed with one son, Derek.

Sonny and family were faithful members of the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Brooklyn, New York and later joined Salem Missionary Baptist Church, Brooklyn, NY, where he served as an Usher. He was highly valued and respected at the American Foundation for the Blind where he worked as an Electronics Technician. During his tenure there he earned an Associates Degree from New York City Technical College. Upon retirement from the Foundation, Sonny and Dorothy relocated to Manning, South Carolina in 1996.

Sonny joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as an Usher and Trustee for many years. Throughout his adult life he was a dedicated community servant with a kind, gentle and a loving spirit. Sonny had a quiet demeanor with strong principles. He was loved and admired for his skills and intellect by all who knew him. Sonny never met a stranger. He was a Cub Scout Leader, Community Board President, Block Association President, Clarendon County School System volunteer and a Volunteer with the Senior Meals on Wheels-Clarendon County Council on Aging.

Sonny lived a full life, enjoying building projects, cycling, paddle ball, playing bid whist and traveling with family and friends. The highlight of his life was planning the Annual Zimmermans Thanksgiving Feast with his niece Rennie in Mrytle Beach, South Carolina.

In 2022, Sonny and Dorothy moved to Orangeburg, South Carolina where they enjoyed independent living at the OAKS. They were devoted parishioners at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Cameron, South Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Mae Taylor Zimmerman.

Sonny leaves to cherish his precious memories: His devoted and loving family, Son, Derek Zimmerman (Gwendolyn) of Fishkill, New York; granddaughter, Jasmine Hall of Brooklyn, New York; sisters, Dorothy Zimmerman Elmore, Liz Zimmerman Keitt and Evia Zimmerman Thomas, all of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Brothers, Joe L. Zimmerman (Carol) of Ashbury Park, New Jersey and Leroy Zimmerman (Alice) of Cumming, Georgia; His beloved nieces, Reinell Thomas-Myers (Jerome) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Teresa Elmore Wilks of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Nephews, James Elmore Jr. (Gloria), Marvin Keitt all of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Vincent Keitt, Lamont Zimmerman all of Brooklyn, New York; and Rodney Zimmerman of Atlanta, Geogia; a brother-in-law, Gilbert Taylor of Columbia, South Carolina, other Nieces and Nephews, Grandnieces, Grandnephews, a host of other relatives and dear friends.

Public viewing will be held Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 1-6pm.

Family and friends may call 28 Hawthorne Trail, Orangeburg or call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com

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