Lt. Cmdr (Ret) Jesse Bernard Sims, Jr., 79, of Chattanooga passed away after a valiant battle with cancer.
He was born in Denver, Colorado to the late Jesse Bernard Sims, Sr. and Geraldine “Donnie” Sims on March 14, 1945. He was a graduate of McCallie School, Class of 1963. He lettered in several sports while at McCallie and still holds the record along with Abner Oldham for the fastest mile. Upon graduation he moved to North Carolina where he graduated from Davidson College with a degree in Literature. Jesse also went to the University of Tennessee Knoxville where he worked towards his Masters degree in Early Childhood Education. Jesse was a proud veteran of the USMC and the Naval Reserves. He achieved the rank of Lt. Commander and retired after 20 years of service in the Naval Reserves.
Jesse was a true Southern gentleman. He never met a stranger. When he and his wife were dining in a restaurant in Washington D.C., his wife excused herself to go to the powder room and, on her return, the entertainer had joined them for dinner.
He loved information. He wanted to know about everything. One of his sons stated, “my dad is a walking encyclopedia; unfortunately, he is a talking one too”. He hated technology: no computer, email or Facebook for him. Oh, but Google, he loved it as it was his information central, which led to obtaining a cell phone and an iPad.
Jesse did love to tell stories one of his favorites was how a bunch of his McCallie classmates took a raft trip down the Tennessee River to go to New Orleans. Unfortunately, they had to abandon the raft and return home before reaching New Orleans. This however did not stop his love for travel. His travels led him to a long and enduring friendship with an Englishman who could not believe he was speaking with an American who could quote a Latin poem
Jesse loved theatre, music, and all of the arts but dancing was his favorite. Jesse would jump up in any location and start buck dancing. This led to a friend dubbing him the “Dancing Fool.”
Jesse loved his church. He was a Bible scholar, a Lay Leader at his church First Centenary UMC. He also taught Sunday School there and volunteered as a tutor in the Centenary Program. He loved children and animals.
Jesse loved helping people the Hospice social worker used to live in his neighborhood picking up trash as he walked his dogs.
Jesse truly let his light shine in the world. The night he passed away, a fire fly with his light blinking flew around the room.
He will be missed by his wife, family and many wonderful friends who have supported him through his battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents.
Left behind to cherish Jesse’s memory are his wife of 34 years, Cyndee Sims, his sons, Andrew and Daniel Sims, his brothers, Paul (Suzanne) Sims and Donald Sims, a sister, Maxine (Dan) McNutt, brother-in-law, Charlie McGuire, several nieces and nephews, his fur-babies, Maximus, Piper and Garnet and many dear friends.
A Celebration of Jesse’s life will be held on Friday June 7, 2024 at 11:00 am at First Centenary United Methodist Church with Dr. Will Lauderback and Pastor Barry Kidwell officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 am. Jesse will be laid to rest on Monday June 10, 2024 at 10:30 am in the Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Jesse’s memory can be made to The Centenary and/or to The Mustard Tree in care of First Centenary UMC.
Age 84, Lewis McKinnie Steele, Jr., died peacefully at home on March 21, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife and soul mate of 59 years, Ann Labounsky Steele, his eldest daughter Elizabeth Ann Steele Connolly (Michael) and his youngest daughter Claire Steele LeBeau (Herb). Lewis always said that he was born “lucky” in 1939 in Nashville, Tennessee and is preceded in death by his father Lewis McKinnie Steele, Sr., and his mother Annie Macdonald Steele, his younger brother, Donald Macdonald Steele, and his beloved son, Alexander Lewis Steele. Cherished Pop Pop to four grandsons, Patrick, Jack, and Ian Connolly and Logan LeBeau, and uncle to Davidson Steele, Lewis was also a loving fortress of strength for his extended family of cousins as the eldest of his generation. With his eldest daughter, he was a devoted business partner in their accounting firm who provided trusted guidance and counsel for his legion of clients and friends. In his beloved First Lutheran Church community, Lewis was a lector, choir director, and confirmation class teacher. For many years with Ann, he taught a Hymnody class at Duquesne University. As the Valedictorian of his High School and a History and Philosophy Major at Davidson College, he drew deeply from the classics to form and shape his advocacy and advice for all who needed to weight and trust the wisdom of his direction.
Lewis was best known for his bass baritone voice which was the first siren song of love for Ann and the unmatched invitation to joy through his booming and explosive laughter for everyone and anyone in earshot. He held a passion for maps and music (especially symphony and opera), with an encyclopedic knowledge of the first lines of songs from his era. His natural philia was for all things Latin and when he could get it, Greek. He was strident in his views and forthcoming with his opinions, as he often half-jokingly declared, “I once thought I was wrong, but I was mistaken.” As a friend, he offered outrage for our misfortunes, understanding and solidarity for our struggles, and wisdom for our transcendence. Lewis will long be remembered and greatly missed as a veracious champion of social and ethical consciousness and a true optimist for our human potential and possibilities.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 26th 12:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Thomas P. Kunsak Funeral Home, Inc., 3552 California Avenue at Davis Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212.
The Reverend Dr. E. Randolph “Randy” Daniel, devoted husband of Lois “Frankie” Daniel since 1960, died on Friday, February 23, 2024 in Lexington, KY at the age of 88.
A longtime professor of medieval history at the University of Kentucky, he was born in Richmond, VA to Leon S. and Emmette S. Daniel. He attended Davidson College, graduating in 1958. He studied at Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and was ordained as a minister in the Presbyterian Church USA in 1961. He earned his Masters in Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, before transferring to the University of Virginia on an NDEA fellowship. He completed his Ph.D. in 1966, and accepted a position as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky. He was chairman of the history department for four years during his tenure until his retirement as a full professor in 2000. He enjoyed introducing students to medieval history, published several books and many papers, with a focus on the influential medieval abbot and theologian Joachim of Fiore. Randy was also Kentucky chair for National History Day for many years, organizing the competition within the state of Kentucky.
Randy is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frankie Daniel, his daughter Ellen Randolph Nichols and husband Doyle Nichols, his son Dr Stuart Daniel and his wife Tami Daniel, and six grandchildren: Daniel Nichols (wife Tamara Estes), Molly Nichols Seeman (husband Scott Seeman), Anna Nichols, Amanda Daniel, Jessica Daniel, and Rebecca Daniel. He was preceded in death by his brothers Hugh Daniel and Dr Edwin Daniel, and sister Lillian Stuart Andrews.
A lifelong lover of music, literature and travel, Randy was a former Vice President of the Friends of the Library and an active member of the Lexington Singers and the Lexington Chamber Music Society. He was a devoted father and grandfather, presiding at the wedding ceremonies for both of his children and baptizing all of his grandchildren. He could often be found watching sporting events and concerts involving his children and grandchildren.
The family burial service will be 3pm Friday, March 1, 2024 at the Lexington Cemetery. The memorial service will be on March 2, 2024 at 11am at Hunter Presbyterian Church, 109 Rosemont Garden, Lexington KY, and all are welcome to attend. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 10:15am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name can be made to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, pda.pcusa.org.
Lefty was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018. He was the Head Basketball Coach (never an assistant) at Granby and Newport News High Schools, Davidson College, University of Maryland, James Madison University, and Georgia State University. His achievements and contributions to the game of college basketball and his investment in the lives of hundreds of young men are too numerous to list but are well-documented in the media. His children and grandchildren remain his biggest fans, and while proud of his coaching accolades, they want others to know that there was so much more to love about him. They give thanks to God for the 92 years Lefty stirred up excitement, laughter, and fun in this world. Whether coaching, recruiting, storytelling, boating, and living the beach life; there are endless memories of Lefty adventures and antics. His spirit remained strong to the end and true to form, his life went into OT. He spent his final days exactly where he wanted to be – in his home overlooking the Chesapeake Bay beach where his story with Joyce began.
Charles Grice “Lefty” Driesell went to his everlasting victory on February 17, 2024. The southpaw was born in Norfolk, VA on Christmas Day 1931 to Frank and Lucy Driesell. Charles (as his mother always called him) became a manager of the Granby sports teams in second grade and went on to play varsity basketball, baseball, and football, becoming known to all as “Lefty.” The star athlete courted Granby Cheerleader Joyce Gunter and they became high school sweethearts. While Lefty was at Duke University on a basketball scholarship, he convinced Joyce to take a bus to Durham, NC, so they could elope; on December 14, 1951, they were married at the Durham courthouse and together they coached Lefty’s Most Valuable Team: their family.
With Joyce’s support, Lefty graduated from Duke University, earned his master’s degree from William and Mary College, left a stable job at the Ford factory to coach high school basketball and in 1960 launched what became a legendary career as a Division 1 coach. He accumulated 786 wins over 41 seasons and scored a lifetime of friends. Players, coaches, managers, administrators, and fans from all seasons of his life supported him to the end, and the family is especially grateful for the ways they loved him during the difficult years without Joyce by his side.
Lefty is survived by his 4 children and their families: Patti Moynihan and children Michael Moynihan, Patrick Moynihan, Morgan Hollings (husband Preston, son Easton); Pam Driesell (husband Joe Loveland) and children Tysor Anderson and Walker Anderson; Chuck Driesell (wife Paula Driesell) and children Taylor Driesell, Brette Driesell, Luke Driesell; Carolyn Kammeier (husband Brett Kammeier) and children Jake Kammeier, Charlie Kammeier, Christian Kammeier; sister Martha Driesell and her children Bill, Charles, Martha and Richard and their families; sister-in-law Margaret Gunter and her children Matt and Claire and their families; “sister” Diane Hodgson and her family; and a host of other beloved relatives and family-like friends. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Lucy Driesell, brother-in-law William Gunter, sister-in-law June Batson, and lifelong sweetheart Joyce Lee Gunter Driesell.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the many caregivers and neighbors in Virginia Beach, VA and Bethany Beach, DE who cared for him with patience, love, and dignity during his last season of life, especially Taylor Marron and Glenn Hamilton.
A visitation will be held Monday March 4 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm at HD Oliver Funeral Home 1501 Colonial Avenue Norfolk, VA. followed by a 1:00 pm Celebration of Life Worship Service at First Presbyterian Church Norfolk 820 Colonial Ave. followed by a private family burial.
Those who wish to make a memorial donation may contribute to Charles “Lefty” Driesell Endowed Scholarship at the University of Maryland or the “Lefty” Driesell Memorial Fund of the Jimmy V- Victory over Cancer Foundation v.org/lefty.
Fitzhugh McMaster Legerton, Sr, a man of deep integrity and subtle wit, a retired pastor, who cared deeply especially for persons carrying the burdens of society, died Wednesday, February 7. He was 97. A thinker who loved a good conversation, Fitz was curious about science, philosophy, history, literature, politics, and people. He kept index cards in his pocket to write names and notes on new people he encountered. He listened intently, asking thoughtful questions, providing perspective, and sending clippings and articles from the many books, journals, and newspapers he read daily. Playful with words and ideas, the three books open on the day he died, beside his reading place on his couch give a glimpse into his mind: Muller’s The Loom of History (1958), Lee’s Language Habits and Human Affairs: an introduction to semantics (1941), and Colson Whitehead’s 2020 novel, Nickel Boys. With a sober demeanor, Fitz also had bright eyes and a winning smile. He was a delightful playmate, with candy and toys in his home, playing musical chairs at a family dinner, chasing little ones around the house, making marble-rolling games that three generations have loved, even allowing the children to play “beauty salon” with his hair. All four generations loved being together in the Montreat, North Carolina, home his grandmother built in 1916. Fitz was born on June 20, 1926, in Charleston, South Carolina. His parents were Clarence William Legerton, Sr, and Winnie McMaster Legerton; he had two older brothers, Clarence W. Legerton, Jr and Clifford Lewis Legerton. He attended Davidson College, entered the U.S. Navy and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1946, with a commission in the Chaplain’s Corps. On December 20, 1946, Fitz married Emmy Lou Capps, of Washington DC, whom he knew from Montreat. He received graduate degrees from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia (B.D.) and from Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.M.). At Union Presbyterian Seminary, he served as President of the Senior Class and, at graduation, received the Nellie Payne Drum Fellowship for further graduate study. In 1967, Presbyterian College awarded him an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. An ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA (PCUSA), Fitz was called to the pastorate of the Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia in 1950. He served as Pastor of Oglethorpe Presbyterian Church until his retirement in 1992, when he was named Pastor Emeritus. He completed continuing education studies every year of active ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary, Union Presbyterian Seminary, Union Theological Seminary in New York, Furman University, and at Manchester College, Oxford University in England. He arranged pastorate exchanges in Oregon, England, and New Zealand. During his ministry in Atlanta, Fitz served as Moderator of the Presbytery of Atlanta, on committees in the church, a commissioner to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, and was an engaged leader in many educational, civic, nonprofit, justice, and social service organizations throughout his life. On the boards of Pace Academy and Oglethorpe University, Fitz also taught courses at Oglethorpe University and at Columbia Theological Seminary. He co-chaired “Christmas International House” in which local churches hosted international students attending colleges and universities from other areas of the United States. An award-winning newspaper column Fitz wrote is entitled, “True Religion is Often a Disturbing Force in Life.” That understanding of the gospel is how he lived out his ministry and his life. In the 1950s, he chaired the Race Relations committee of the ecumenical Christian Council in Atlanta, helping to craft the “Atlanta Manifesto” in November 1957 (co-signed by eighty Protestant clergy) and its 1958 version (co-signed by 300 interfaith clergy). This statement identified six principles they deemed essential for promoting racial justice. The Presbyterian Historical Society in Montreat, North Carolina, has in its archives an exhibit on the Atlanta Manifesto and its place in the South’s involvement in the civil rights movement. In 1994, Fitz and Emmy Lou moved to Montreat, North Carolina (NC), and Fitz became Assistant to the President for Church Relations at Warren Wilson College. He served in this capacity from 1994 until 2005. In their new community, the Legertons participated in Leadership Asheville for Seniors, and Fitz served as precinct chair for the Buncombe County Democratic Party. Fitz and Emmy Lou were Patrons of the Montreat Conference Center for the PCUSA, and they were deeply involved at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, in the Verner Center for Early Learning, and Highland Farms Retirement Community, where they moved in 2014. Fitz loved his men’s breakfast group, book clubs (one that lasted for him and Emmy Lou for over forty years) and being closer to family in Montreat. His dear Emmy Lou died on November 23, 2015. The Rev. Dr. Legerton is survived by his and Emmy Lou Capps Legerton’s three adult children: Winifred Roper Legerton [Winn] of Black Mountain NC, her daughter, Hannah Legerton Young of Greensboro, NC, and her loved ones with her beloved husband, John J. Young, Sr., who died in 2016: John J. Young, Jr. of Middlebury, VT and Molly Young Maass of Alexandria, VA and their families. Fitzhugh McMaster Legerton, Jr. [Mac] of Pembroke, NC and his spouse, Donna F. Chavis, their four children-Rhiannon Chavis-Wanson (Derek Wanson) and family, Dakotah Chavis-Legerton, Amanda Chavis-Legerton and family, Priscilla Woods and family. John Capps Legerton of Asheville, NC and his spouse, Katharine R. Meacham, their two children-Wendy Meacham Legerton (Dave Love), Hannah Meacham Legerton (William High), all of Asheville, and their families. Fitz Legerton is also survived by his sister-in-law, Mitzi Herrin Legerton and her children, Clarence W. Legerton, III [Chip] and Coleman, Mary Legerton de Luzuriaga and Luis, Gregg McMaster Legerton and Keisha-all of Charleston and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and their families. He and Emmy Lou have generations of nieces and nephews and their families. A memorial service for Fitz will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 2 PM, at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church in Swannanoa, North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, donations would be received with gratitude at any of the three following organizations Fitz supported during his life: Montreat Conference Center: Office of Development, P.O. Box 969, Montreat, NC 28757 www.montreat.org/memorialgiving (in memory of Fitz and Emmy Lou Legerton) Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church: 101 Chapel Lane, Swannanoa, NC 28778 (in memory of Fitz and Emmy Lou Legerton) The Verner Center for Early Learning: 2586 Riceville Road; Asheville, NC 28805 https://vernerearlylearning.networkforgood.com/projects/108426-your-gift-supports-children-and-families-now (in memory of Fitz and Emmy Lou Legerton) A lean and elegant writer, Fitz crafted not only sermons for almost half a century, but also insightful letters to editors, to friends and family, and to congregants; he wrote columns in the North DeKalb Record for six years, and he contributed to the Atlanta Journal & Constitution. He was as apt to quote Thomas Hardy or William Butler Yeats as he was to quote scripture. In one newspaper column, he reminds the readers that God’s comfort gives strength to bear burdens: “God does not coddle us when he comforts us. Nor is God’s comfort an anaesthetic that dulls us to pain. It is no spiritual sedative, no paregoric: such would not only dull us to pain, but also to joy. The word “comfort” means “with strength.” God gives us strength to bear the burden or meet the challenge. Life loses its tyrannies-fear, worry, responsibility-and we face it with a quiet comfort.” Fitz died with a calm expression on his face, lying with composure on his bed, robe neatly tied, socks on, phone, glasses and reading material within reach-the appearance of quiet comfort.
