Pastor Leslie Howard Sims

It is with great sadness that the family of Pastor Leslie “Les” Sims, Jr, age 76, of Walkersville, MD, announces his passing on Sunday, January 19, 2025. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and friend to many, Les was best known for his deep faith in the Lord. He was a beacon of light and hope for many, touching countless lives through his faithful ministry, powerful sermons, and love of all people.

Les was born on March 2, 1948, in Ft. Meade, MD to the late Leslie and Agnes Sims. He grew up in Newport News, VA and graduated from Ferguson High School. From there, he went on to attend Bryan College in Dayton, TN receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Following his graduation from Bryan, he was accepted into the Washington Bible College in Washington, DC where he earned his Master’s degree in Hebrew and Greek Studies. Upon graduation, he began working at Winfield Bible Church in Winfield, MD where he would meet his future wife, Shirley Jane. Together they raised two sons, Jason Howard (Brooke) of New Market, MD and Bradley Elton (Lauren) of Charlotte, NC.

After preaching for several years at Winfield, he decided to change career paths and entered the field of computers. He began working for Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Sterling, VA, where he worked for the next 20 years until his retirement in 1998. Upon his retirement, Les was able to return full-time to his true passion and calling in life, teaching the Word of God as the Interim Pastor at Fredericktown Baptist Church, then full-time at Thurmont Church of Christ and finally Taneytown Baptist Church.

In his personal life, Les enjoyed spending time with his family; golfing with friends; fishing with his boys; and supporting his granddaughters in their sports activities. He loved both a fancy meal from a nice restaurant, but he also loved a good dinner date at chick-fil-a with his granddaughters. He took an active investment in ensuring his grandchildren knew the Lord and showed them what it looked like to be a child of God- always putting others first, staying humble and loving to all God’s people.

Les is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shirley; their two sons, Jason and Bradley and two step-children Melanie Cox and Gregory Williams (Kim). He was affectionately known as Pawpaw to his 12 grandchildren who he beamed with pride when talking about or within their company: Mia, Cali, Bri, and Drew, all of New Market, MD; Matthew, Isabella, Mariah, and Ariella, all of Charlotte, NC; Natalie Norris (Aaron) of Jefferson, MD; Amanda Overby (great-granddaughter, Daisy) of Manitou Springs, CO; Kristin and Kay Williams of Kingsville, MD. He is also survived by his older sister Alice Spencer of Culpeper, VA and his younger brother William Sims (Dawn) of Newport News, VA, as well as several nieces and nephews. Les was predeceased by his parents, step-son, Nathaniel Williams, and brother-in-law Harold Spencer.

His steadfast faith in the Lord gives his family the solace that is body is now reunited in God’s kingdom with all those who have departed before him and among all the angels and saints.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Keeney and Basford Funeral Homes, P.A., 106 E. Church Street, Frederick, MD on Thursday, January 30, from 4pm to 7pm. The funeral service will be held at 11am on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Taneytown Baptist Church, 4150 Sells Mill Road, Taneytown, MD. 21787. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to Taneytown Baptist Church. https://www.taneytownbaptist.org/