This tribute is the property of Georgia Coroner’s Association © 2006

Augusta Georgia native Leroy Sims wouldn’t remain a
small town boy for long. As soon as possible he
enlisted in the Army. After being wounded in Korea
with a required year long stay in the VA hospital to
recover fully, he went right back out there.

When his enlistment was up he joined the Air Force.
He would remain a career soldier until his retirement.
His desire to serve the public would never be complete
in his eyes. He immediately joined the Augusta Police
Department. Grover Tuten remembers this time well.
They enlisted in the Police force together and became
close friends.

Grover was an Assistant Coroner when he was needed.
Leroy was asked to help out as well. They worked together
for Coroner Woodward for several years. Leroy’s
retirement from the police department as a successful
homicide detective and the death of Coroner Woodward,
gave Leroy the opportunity to become Coroner of Richmond
county. It was 1985. He would run unopposed for the rest
of his life. Grover continued to work along side his good
friend for the Richmond County citizens.

Leroy Sims involvement in the Georgia Coroners Association
began early in his career. He was always ready to assist the
association in any way he was needed. He loved going to the
annual meetings. He was especially fond of the Tybee Beach
training sessions and meetings.

Leroy enjoyed his time as President of the GCA. He was most
proud of his involvement in getting the pay rate increased for
call services. It was important to him that Coroners and Deputies
be fairly compensated. We are all in his debt.

Leroy rarely found his job in viewing and pronouncing deaths
easy. He was affected by each one. He used his interests in
coin collecting to reduce his stress from his work. Leroy was
also a wonderful organist. It was common for Leroy to come
in from a case and sit down to play. He had found a way to
ease his mind in the way that we all need in this business.

The events that the Georgia Coroners Association offers each
year to it’s members was one of Leroy’s favorite vacations.
He loved them all, but Richard Stanley’s winter get together was
by far the place he enjoyed the most.

Leroy was named Coroner of the year in 1995.
His two terms as President of the association saw great
progress and rewards under his command. The association now
honors other Coroner’s or Deputy Coroner’s with an award named
in memory of him. The Leroy Sims Distinguished Service Award
is decided by the executive committee each year.

Leroy was a gentle giant, a man we all looked up to and admired.
Rest well Leroy. Thank you for everything you did for the GCA.


Annie Thomas-Burke

This tribute is the property of The Georgia Coroners Association © 2006.

This tribute is shown as an example of a two page tribute.
written by Scribe Services Owner, Annie Thomas-Burke for
The Georgia Coroners Association