Obituary published on Legacy.com by Beck Funeral Home - Clayton on Jul. 10, 2025.
Arthur Benjamin (Ben) Simms, IV went to be with his Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, on July 6, 2025, surrounded by his wife and dear friends. Ben was the firstborn child to Jane Griffin Simms and A. B. Simms III in Atlanta, GA, on October 16, 1954.
Ben's deep roots in the history and development of Atlanta and his strong southern heritage formed the basis of his youth. His zeal for excellence was a trademark characteristic he retained throughout his life, which was demonstrated early on by his Eagle Scout rank earned by the age of 13. He was an Alpha and Omega graduate from the Westminster Schools, where he participated in tennis and other sports and excelled in riflery. While attending Davidson College, he enjoyed membership in the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, continued to hone his skills as a top marksman, and pursued an interest in photography. After earning his undergraduate degree in Economics from Davidson, he continued his education at Georgia State University where he earned his MBA. He grew up attending First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta and was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club. He enjoyed a fruitful career in real estate development before turning his attention toward entrepreneurial endeavors, including establishing a non-profit organization known as O.W.L.S. (Outdoor Wisdom Leadership School). This passion project was designed to teach underprivileged youth basic outdoor survival skills and introduce them to the Christian faith through camping and other outdoor activities. Ben's faith in Jesus Christ was foundational to his life and permeated everything he did. As an adult, he was an active member at Church of the Apostles in Atlanta and Liberty Baptist Church in Tiger, GA.
Aside from his relationship with Christ, his family was his largest source of fulfillment. He married the love of his life, Vicki Wilson Simms, in 1978 and during their 47 years of marriage, they raised four children. He was never too busy for those he loved and always made time for his family.
Ben relished being outdoors and soaking in God's creation. He lived with purpose, shared his faith, and was never ashamed to live out his convictions. He constantly sought adventure and never went without a hands-on project. He was always ready with a cheesy dad joke that paired perfectly with his quirky sense of humor and fun-loving spirit. His hugs are legendary to those who knew him well.
Ben will be sorely missed by family and many dear friends in Atlanta and in Tiger. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jane and Ben Simms. Those who await joining him one day in Heaven include his wife Vicki Simms; daughters Vicki Wilson Rhodes, Evelyn "Lyndi" Simms Leary, Kimberly Simms Goodson (Matthew), and son Arthur Benjamin Simms V (Addie) Grandchildren include: Damion, Lochlan, and Bright Rhodes; Eve and Piper Leary; Jacob and Ellie Goodson; and Arthur, Vera, and Henry Simms. He will also be missed by his sisters, Janie Hamner (Patrick) and Anne Goodgame (Edward) along with many nephews, nieces, and countless other family members. He was so proud of his extended family and his legacy lives on through each one of them.
A memorial service will be held 11:00am on Friday, July 11 at Liberty Baptist Church in Tiger, Georgia.
Beck Funeral Home, in
Clayton, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Arthur Benjamin (Ben) Simms, IV. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.
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