Edward Leroy Sims

Coroner Richmond County AUGUSTA, Ga. - Entered into rest Friday, November 28, 2003 at Doctors Hospital, Mr. Edward Leroy Sims, husband of Betty Dickey Sims of Augusta. In addition, Mr. Sims is survived by his daughters, Marion White Linder (Charles) of Martinez; April R. Cory (Paul) of Martinez; grandchildren, Summer Raehm, Collin Bertram, Carter Bertram, all of Augusta. His siblings include sisters, Mary Gene Bertrand (Horace) and Faye Sims Bussey (Fred) of Grovetown, and Dorothy Carolyn Sims. Also, a sister, Nita F. Popp (Rick), of Augusta. Mr. Sims is preceded in death by his brother, the late Warren S. Sims , of Tucson, Arizona and his mother, Mary Crisler Sims, and father, Warren S. Sims, Sr. Mr. Sims was a native of LaGrange, Ga. but was a lifelong resident of Augusta. At the time of his death, Mr. Sims was the active coroner of Richmond County, having served 16 years of elected term following several years as Deputy Coroner. He had previously retired from the Augusta Police Department after 25 years of service as a detective in the homicide division. He was currently Secretary of the Georgia Coroners Association. He was an active member of the Georgia Coroners Association where he currently served as Secretary. He was a member of the Georgia Coroners Training Council, Lambda Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, a former President of Delta Lambda Omicron Fraternity, Augusta Coin Club, Elks Club of Augusta, a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans, Richmond County Democratic Party, Augusta/Richmond County Committee for Good Government, Former Vice-President of the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, American Criminal Justice Association, Board of Directors for the CSRA Law Enforcement Association, and Vice-President of the Augusta Pension Committee. Among his many honors, he was very proud to be chosen 'Policeman of the Year' in 1972. He never forgot his roots and childhood friends and was an active member of the Frog Hollow Reunion Steering Committee. He was a longtime member of Lake Park Baptist Church , where he sang in the choir. He began his career as a military police officer, first in the Army and later in the Air Force. He graduated from the Armys Criminal Investigation Division School and Officers Special Investigations School in the Air Force. In addition, he studied various areas of forensics and received certifications at several college and universities including the University of Alabama and Elmira College. Mr. Sims enjoyed cooking for family and friends. His hobbies included collecting coins and playing the organ. His family feels great pride in the compassionate way he was able to conduct his duties as coroner. His caring nature and concern for others was just one of the reasons he was so beloved. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather. His family and extended family of friends will miss him beyond measure. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 1, 2003 at 2 p.m. at Trinity on the Hill United Methodist Church with Rev. Jeff Flowers and Dr. James L. Adkins officiating. The service will be conducted by Reverend Jeff Flowers, the Medical College of Georgia Pastoral Services. Pallbearers will be Dr. David A. Bussey, Honorable Gary M. McElhenney, Honorable Ronnie Strength, Honorable William Jennings, III, Deputy Coroner Grover Tuten, Mr. Thomas G. White, Mr. J. Nick Shaw, and Mr. Charlie Reid. Honorary pallbearers will be the Georgia Coroners Association, Augusta/Richmond County Committee for Good Government, 'Frog Hollow' Reunion Committee, and the Augusta Coin Club. Honor guard is the Richmond County Sheriffs Department. Eulogy by Honorable Issac Jolles, Honorable Danny Craig, Honorable Henry Howard, Dr. Kailash Sharma, and Former Richmond County Sheriff Charles Webster. Memorials may be made to the Medical College of Georgia, Childrens Miracle Network, Alumni Center, FI 105, Augusta, Ga. 30912 Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd. Augusta, Ga. 30907 Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com