Leonard "Dean" Sims

Leonard "Dean" Sims, 68, of Tallahassee, passed away, while surrounded by his loving family, on October 28, 2021. He is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Beverly Sims. Dean was born in Quincy, FL to Samuel and Dolores Sims and raised in Tallahassee. Dean was a graduate of Godby High School. He supported his family as a salesman for Georgia Pacific until 1994 when he joined the Chevrolet family at then Champion Chevrolet, now Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet. Not only was he passionate about sales but he was also passionate about the game of baseball. As a lifelong resident of Tallahassee, he wanted to give back to the community through his passion for baseball. He is remembered for his commitment to youth baseball. Dean served as President of Winthrop Park, opened Meridian Park as its first president, served as Little League president, and Junior Major Park president. While employed with Champion Chevrolet/ Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet, he volunteered his time for Chevy Youth baseball. His enthusiasm for the game and life lessons taught through the game are still felt in many of the coaches, umpires and players that he had the pleasure of working with throughout the years. Dean and Beverly and children were longtime members of Faith Presbyterian Church where Beverly served as the preschool director for the past 35 years. Dean’s positive attitude, patience and outstanding leadership profoundly impacted thousands of young boys and girls in Tallahassee. Dean Sims' name seems to always be intwined into the stories of endless fun days at the fields and are an indelible memory of so many Tallahassee family's years of baseball. His influence on the lives of the players, parents and coaches has been immeasurable. In October of 2021, the spring baseball tournament at Meridian Park was officially named, Dean Sims Meridian Park Baseball Championship. Other survivors include three children Chad Sims (Gretchen), Lindsay Pearson (Brian) and Julie Cosper (Justin); eight grandchildren, Oakley, Piper, Cole (Leanna), Karie Jane, Bo, Fisher, Hunter and Mason; a great grandson, Lake; two brothers, Tommy Sims (Felicsa) of Panama City and Mike (Lezlie) Sims of Tallahassee; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5:00PM until 7:00 PM on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Bevis Funeral Home, 200 John Knox Road. The funeral service will be at 3:00 PM on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Faith Presbyterian Church 2200 N. Meridian Road. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Our Parks c/o Dean Sims Memorial. 1201 Myers Park Drive. Tallahassee, Fl. 32301 Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Sims family with their arrangements.

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Leonard "Dean" Sims

March 19, 1953 - October 28, 2021