Allen Bruce Sims

1942 - 2025

Allen Bruce Sims

March 11, 1942 - November 8, 2025

Allen Bruce Sims passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 8, 2025. Bruce was born on March 11, 1942, to Arthur Edwin Sims and Louise Virginia Brooks of Orange, Va. He was one of three siblings - brother Arthur Ward Sims and sister Jeanne Tyler Sims - and his family remained the center of his world throughout his life.

For high school, Bruce attended Woodberry Forest School, just a mile from his grandfather's farm outside of Orange. He graduated Cum Laude in May 1960 and carried a lifelong affection for Woodberry, cherishing the friendships and values it gave him.

After Woodberry, Bruce attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he found wonderful friends and community as a proud member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He graduated in May 1964 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

At UNC, Bruce also served in the Marine Corps ROTC and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps in the spring of 1964. He served with honor in Vietnam from December 1965 to October 1966 and was discharged as a Captain in March 1967. For his service, he received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with one star. His sense of loyalty, courage, and quiet integrity defined him throughout his life.

After Vietnam, Bruce moved to New York City to begin a career in financial services. His first position was with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner and Smith as an individual and corporate account manager. In 1971, he joined Rotan Mosle as Vice President of Institutional Sales, working in both New York and Houston, Texas. Despite having his car broken into and all of his clothes stolen on his first night in the city, Bruce loved New York.

In 1980, Rotan Mosle offered him a position at their headquarters in Houston. While devoted to his New York life, Bruce fully embraced Houston - and there, he met the love of his life, Terran Warren. They were married on July 16, 1983, and soon returned to New York to start their life together in a beloved apartment on East 91st Street. Back in the city, Bruce managed institutional sales for Interstate Securities Corporation and later joined S.G. Warburg and Feeley and Wilcox.

In the late 1970s, Bruce purchased Sunset Lodge on Twin Lakes in Salisbury, Conn. A passionate water-skier, he made the lodge a welcoming retreat where countless friends gathered over the years. When he and Terran moved back to New York, they poured their hearts into making it a favorite spot for many friends and family to come together. Many world problems were solved on summer nights gathered around their big table on the screened porch.

Bruce and Terran's greatest joy came with the arrivals of their daughters - Caitlin Somerset Sims in 1987 and Catherine Carter Sims in 1988. Bruce adored his girls beyond measure. He was a devoted and present father, never missing a moment - from birthday parties to sports games - and made everyone around him feel cherished.

In 1992, the family moved to Charlottesville to be closer to loved ones, and their home quickly became a warm gathering place for friends and family alike. That same year, Bruce joined Anderson and Strudwick (now Capitol Securities) in downtown Charlottesville, where he worked with integrity and kindness. Also in 1992, Michael Cross, husband of Bruce's niece, Kathryn, joined the firm. Bruce and Michael worked together for 26 years.

Bruce's favorite tradition was the Montpelier Races, which he attended faithfully since childhood. Whether flying in from New York or driving from Charlottesville, he never missed a year. His tailgate spaces, 165 and 166 were always filled with laughter, friends, and family, complete with good food and lively "quarter" bets. Just a week before his passing, Bruce was joyfully at the rail once again.

In recent years, Bruce found his greatest happiness as "Pop" to his beloved grandchildren, Caroline Frances and Andrew John Borland. He was endlessly loving, playful, and proud, delighting in every moment spent with them.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Arthur Sims; his mother, Louise Sims Twohey; and his aunt, Elsie Goodloe Carruthers. He is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Terran Warren Sims; daughter, Caitlin Sims Borland, her husband, Matthew, and their children, Caroline and Andrew of Charlottesville, Va.; daughter, Catherine Carter Sims Davis and her husband, Brian of Palm Beach, Fla.; brother, Ward Sims and his wife, Sallie of Charlottesville, Va.; sister, Jean Sims Callier of Charlottesville, Va.; stepsister, Meg Twohey and her husband, Darrow Lebovici of Salem, Mass.; and his three nieces, Kathryn Sims Cross, Elizabeth Sims Bunn, and Susan Sims Veerhoff, and their families.

Those who knew Bruce will remember his warmth, his kindness, his humor, and his unwavering love for the people in his life. He had an extraordinary gift for friendship, and his presence made every room brighter. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him.

There will be a private graveside service for Bruce at Graham Cemetery in Orange. The family will host a celebration of his life at a later date.

Preddy Funeral Home

250 West Main Street, Orange, VA 22960