Raymond Garland Sims

Raymond Garland “Tommy” Sims, 85, of Culpeper, VA completed his earthly journey on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at English Meadows Senior Living Community. He was born April 2, 1933 in Madison County, VA to the late Palmer O. Sims, Sr. and Hester (Clatterbuck) Sims. He was preceded in death by his four siblings, Mary Belle Viar, Palmer O. Sims, Jr., James Robert Sims, and Sarah Mabel Bennett.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Paula Hawkins Sims; daughter, Tammy Sims Sanford and husband, Bruce Sanford; son, Timothy “Timbo” Sims and wife, Robyn Abshire Sims; grandchildren, Jessica Sanford, Joshua Sanford, Willow Abshire Sims, and Rowan Abshire Sims. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was a graduate of Madison County High School’s class of 1953. The day after his graduation from high school, he left for service in the U.S. Army, where he fought during the Korean War conflict as part of the 25th Infantry Division, 14th Regiment, 3rd Battalion stationed in Korea, Japan and Hawaii. Following his release from active duty, Raymond joined the Army Reserves, retiring in 1978. Patriotism was very important to Raymond. He dearly loved and honorably served his country. Raymond was a lifetime member of VFW Post 2524, where he served as the Quartermaster for many years, organizing and participating in all post activities and philanthropies. He also held a membership with American Legion Post 330 in Culpeper.

Raymond worked as a cable technician for C & P Telephone Company in Culpeper for 35 years until retirement in 1990. He was a member of Woodland United Methodist Church, Culpeper, actively singing in the choir and teaching adult Sunday School. He served as a Lay Leader and groundskeeper for the church over the years. He assisted families by overseeing the church cemetery until he was physically unable to attend in most recent years.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 8, 2018, at 10:00 a.m. at Clore English Funeral Home, 11190 James Monroe Hwy., Culpeper, with Rev. Kang Lee and Rev. Steve Combs officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Culpeper National Cemetery, Chandler Street, Culpeper, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Woodland United Methodist Church, ℅ Gloria Phillips, 14282 Woodland Church Road, Culpeper, VA 22701. The family would like to thank the staff of English Meadows Senior Living Community, and New Century Hospice for all their compassion and care. An online guestbook is available through clore-english.com. The Sims family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.