Samuel Sims

Samuel Austin Sims passed away peacefully at his home in Levy County on Monday, December 4th, 2023. Austin was born April 4, 1933, to Robert Alexander Sims and Mary Elizabeth Seaton of Maury County, near Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. He had 10 siblings and was their youngest son. Austin later lived in Tampa and worked as a crane operator and for many years, as an ironworker, serving as foreman on projects ranging from Parrot Jungle at Disney World to the construction of the hanger for Air Force One in Washington, DC. He was highly respected by those who worked with and for him. He retired to Levy County in 1982 where he built the home that he and his wife Carolyn would live in until the end of his life. He enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout his life as well as putting countless miles on his bicycles during his retirement until he was 85. He had a warm sense of humor and enjoyed many mornings having coffee with his friends at Hardee's in Chiefland. He was preceded in death by his only son, Ronald Lee "Ronnie" Sims of Tampa. He is survived by his younger sister, Elizabeth Kelly of Mt. Pleasant, his wife of 67 years, Lela Carolyn Sims, two grandchildren Austin Lee Sims of Denver, Colorado, and Courtney Leeanne Sims of Tampa, one great grandson, Ladon Sims, and numerous nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at the Pine Grove Baptist Church on Friday, December 15th at 11:00 am with a visitation held one hour prior. Pastor Tony Clubb will officiate the service. Burial will follow at the Pine Grove Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Knauff Funeral Home, Chiefland. Visitation Friday, December 15, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Pine Grove Baptist Church 16655 NW CR 339 Trenton, FL 32693 Funeral Service Friday, December 15, 2023 11:00 AM Pine Grove Baptist Church 16655 NW CR 339 Trenton, FL 32693