Rutherford Clark Sims

Dr. Rutherford “Gene” Clark Sims, 81, of Parkersburg passed away January 15, 2018 at his residence. He was born January 27, 1936 in Jolo, WV, a son of the late Lewis and Ruth Martin Sims. He was a graduate of Big Creek High School class of 1954 in War, WV. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He attended Marshall University and was a graduate of WVU School of Medicine where he completed medical school and a residency in OB/GYN. He began practicing medicine in 1971 and retired from private practice in 2002. During his career, of over 35 years, he delivered approximately 5,000 babies. After his first retirement, he worked part time in an administrative position at Camden Clark Memorial Hospital where he retired a second time when he was 75 years old. In this retirement, Gene continued to serve his community by volunteering on the Wood County Juvenile Drug Court. He enjoyed woodworking, participating in teaching pottery classes at the Parkersburg Art Center and could always be seen on his riding lawnmower tending to his beautiful yard. Gene was a certified scuba diver, enjoyed quilting, was interested in genealogy, was an avid reader and very proud of his West Virginia heritage. He enjoyed spending time with his family and always had a funny story to share. He loved to travel and took many family vacations making fun memories with those he loved. Gene was humble and kind. A loyal husband, father, grandfather, physician and friend to many. Surviving is his loving wife of 57 years, Barbara Williamson Sims; children, James Lewis Sims (William Early) of Greensboro, NC, Sarah Elizabeth Cassol (Mark) of Louisville, KY and Robert Gene Sims of Vienna, WV; a sister, Nancy Carol Ikard of Huntsville, AL; two brothers, John Lewis Sims (Carol) of Melbourne, FL and William “Bill” Sims (Sally) of Raysal, WV; grandchildren, Madeline “Maddie”, Adam and Henry Cassol; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Stormy Mullins. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 400 Green St., Parkersburg. There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkersburg Art Center, 725 Market St., Parkersburg, WV 26101.