CHARLESTON, S.C. — Philip Simmons, a renowned South Carolina blacksmith who created hundreds of ornamental iron gates and fences in more than half a century at the forge, has died. He was 97.

Simmons, of Charleston, died in his sleep Monday night, Harleston-Boags Funeral Home director Gippon Boags said.

Simmons started work as a blacksmith when he was a young man, and eventually created more than 500 pieces. His work can be seen throughout Charleston, at the Smithsonian and internationally.

He received several awards, including the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award.