Edward Franklin Sims Sr.

Born March 24, 1943 in Batesville, VA, he was the son of the late Arthur Lewis and Mary Alice Jones Sims. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Edwina Roselle Sims; sister, Diane Perry; and two brothers, James Melvin Sims and William John Sims Sr.

Eddie graduated from Jackson P. Burley High School, where he developed a love of music and excelled in the sport of baseball. He played in a musical group called the Metros and was a founding member of The Traveling Gospel Tears. Eddie retired from the University of Virginia Dining Services in 2017, after 52 years of service. He was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins, Washington Nationals and was a season ticket holder to several UVA sports for many years; he also enjoyed bowling. Eddie’s most cherished moments involved children, especially his kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews; he was a magnet to which children were naturally drawn. He never met a stranger and lived for peace and harmony. Eddie was a deacon and life-time member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Greenwood, VA.

He is survived by his wife, Mora B. Sims; a son, Tim Sims; a stepson, Frederick Eric Barbour (Jessica); two sisters, Thelma Sims and Linda Walker; two brothers, Esters Sims (Lele) and Arthur Walker; five grandchildren, Orlando Watkins Jr. (Ashley), Taylor Coulter, Mo’Aysia Jackson, Alecia Barbour and Evonee Barbour; two great grandchildren, Chalais Watkins and Zavier Watkins; and a host nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

We would like to say a special thank you to Thelma “Sis” Sims for her devotion, compassion and support of her brother. Thanks to the medical teams and staffs at The Emily Couric Cancer Center, UVA Medical Center, UVA Health South and all who contributed to and bonded with Eddie during his battle, especially our friend and advocate Dr. Shawn Pelletier (Melissa). And thanks to everyone for the prayers, visitations and acts of kindness.

A memorial service will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Teague Funeral Home, with family visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Family and friends may also pay tributes to Eddie at a reception immediately following at The University of Virginia Garden Room located at 211 McCormick Road, Charlottesville, Virginia.

In honor of Eddie’s love of UVA sports, family and friends are encouraged to wear orange and blue.

Contributions may be made to the Emily Couric Cancer Center in memory of Edward F. Sims, Sr. at P.O. Box 800773, Charlottesville, VA 22908.