Leonard Simms was born on November 26, 1935, in Fayetteville, Georgia to the late Javonia Sims and Leonard Grooms.  Javonia Sims married R.B. Stanley and they raised Leonard in Cleveland, Ohio.

Leonard was educated in the Cleveland Public School graduating from John Adams High School in 1956.  While attending high school Leonard excelled as a student-athlete, participating in Cross Country and Track and Field. He earned six All Ohio Honors and was a member of the 1953 State Championship Track Team, and 1954 State Championship Cross Country teams.  Leonard joined the Air Force in 1956.  He served four years and received an Honorable discharge in 1960.  He made the U.S. Air Force All-Air Force track team.

Leonard Simms and Carolyn Robinson were joined in Holy Matrimony on May 31, 1963.  From this union, four children were born: Karen, Ronnie, Gregory, and Carol.

Leonard started his professional career at Alcola. In 1965 he accepted a position as a Patrolman with the Cleveland Division of Police.  He served with distinction in the 5th District Basic Patrol, Tactical Unit, 5th District Detective Bureau, and Auto Theft Investigation Unit.  He retired on July 1, 1994, after 33 years of service, which includes four years in the U.S. Air Force.  Leonard also worked security at Sears and Roebuck for 30-plus years.

Leonard was a 5th-degree black belt and instructor in Jiu-Jitsu.  His favorite pastime activities after retirement included karate, assisting the Rhodes High School track team, watching sports events, especially track, and field, meeting with his John Adams track teammates, talking on the phone with family and friends, spending time with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and watching cowboy movies.

Leonard was called home to be with Lord on February 5, 2023.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn; daughter, Karen; and parents Leonard Grooms, Javonia, and R.B. Stanley.

Leonard Simms leaves to cherish his memory: two sons and one daughter, Ronnie, Gregory, and Carol; son-in-law, Heath Hill; daughter-in-law, Denise Simms; grandchildren, Treyvon King, Ariyonne Kimbro, Gregory Simms, Brooklyn Simms, KeShawn Hill, Keith Hill; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers, Nash Robinson Sr. (Essie), and William Robinson; sisters, Shirley Phoeson, Pearlie Barlow, Julia Ezzell, and Amanda Stradford (Jerry); and sister-in-law, Channie Robinson.

He also has a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins and an abundance of friends and associates.  Leonard will truly be missed for the love and support that he provided for his family every day.  His loving memory will continue to live in our hearts forever.

Humbly Submitted by The Family