Leon Francis “Sandy” Simms, Jr.

Leon Francis “Sandy” Simms, Jr, 93, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on December 1, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents Leon F. “Grig” Simms, Harriet Barber Simms and Delena Barber Simms Brooks. He was a graduate of Springfield High School and attended Marion Military Institute, Bellarmine and Notre Dame Universities. He was a member of the Kentucky National Guard Springfield Unit which served in the Korean War and he was the youngest sergeant in the history of his platoon, at age 19.

Sandy loved his family and spent many hours with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who adored Pappaw Sandy. He will leave a legacy in the many businesses he founded, land he developed and his nature projects restoring native plant species and wildlife reintroduction with state and federal governments.

Sandy had both a passion for life and an unmatched work ethic.

Sandy is survived by his three sons: Gregory (Cathy) Simms, Mark (Denita) Simms and John (Anne) Simms, his two daughters Kelly Simms and Harriet Simms-Boone (Mike Carey), 17 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; and a sister Madeleine (Wendell) Grayson.

He was also preceded in death by his sisters Florence Simms Cambron and Gayle Simms Ogburn and three brothers John B., Phil, and Alex Simms.

Contributions are suggested to St. Dominic School.

A Celebration of Sandy’s life is planned for Saturday, January 3, 2026 from 5pm-9pm. It will be held at The Black Barn, 2292 Lincoln Park Rd, Springfield KY 40069.

Hale-Polin-Robinson Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.