Benjamin Leake "Buddy" Sims

Benjamin "Buddy" Leake Sims

On Thanksgiving morning, Benjamin "Buddy" Leake Sims while surrounded by his loving family, went to be with the Lord. Buddy had lung cancer and only found out about it three weeks prior to his death.

Buddy was born May 1, 1937, in Ruckersville, son of the late Richard Creel Sims and Arline Gay Sims. Buddy was a lifelong resident of Ruckersville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Richard Creel Sims Jr. and J.D. Sims; brothers-in-law, A.T. Dulaney and Forest Birckhead; and nephew Forest Birckhead Jr.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Hazel Bell Sims; two daughters, Linda Sims Donohue and her husband, Jim, Mary Sims Shires and her husband, Jimmy; one son Daniel Sims, all of Ruckersville; four grandchildren, Margaret Katherine Donohue, Olivia Belle Donohue, James Austin Shires and Caleb Leake Sims.

He is also survived by four sisters, Lucille S. Dulaney, Marguerite S. Birckhead, Mildred S. Dean, all of Charlottesville, Mary S. Wright and her husband, John, of Silver Springs, Maryland; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Buddy was a master electrician and worked for many years for W.E. Brown and Blue Ridge Services, from which he retired.

He loved bluegrass music and always attended local festivals until his later years.

The family will receive friends 6 until 8 p.m. Sunday, November 29, 2009, at the Ryan Funeral Home, 12819 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, Virginia.

A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, November 30, 2009, at the Ruckersville Cemetery located on Moore Road, Ruckersville, with Bobby Gilbert and the Reverend Kyle Clements officiating.

Following the service, all are invited to the Ruckersville Baptist Church for food and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be given to the Stanardsville Baptist Church Food Bank, P.O. Box 13, Stanardsville, VA 22973.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Martha Jefferson Emergency Room , 5th Floor South and the staff of The Laurels for their support during this time.

Ryan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.