Martin Richard Sims

Martin Richard Sims, age 81, of Max Meadows, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2026.

Born on July 2, 1945, in Honaker, Va, Martin was the son of the late Martin Sims and Elizabeth Ruth Dye Sims. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Lou McNerlin Sims, and all of his siblings. As the last remaining survivor of his immediate family, the passing of Martin marks the end of a generation for his loved ones.

A hardworking and dedicated provider, Martin spent his working years as a coal miner with the Jewell Smokeless Coal Company until his well-earned retirement. Outside of work, he found joy in the simple pleasures of life. In his younger years, he enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he had a remarkable talent and patience for restoring antique furniture, breathing new life into forgotten pieces. A man of faith, he worshipped at the Groseclose First Church of God.

Martin’s greatest legacy lives on through his cherished family. He is survived by his loving children: Charles "Chuck" McNerlin & wife Heather, Austin Sims, Lisa Calloway & husband Jimmy, Lynn Hollingsworth & husband Phil, Jeannie Sims, Leslie Sims, Hannah Sims & Conner Workman; 12 Grandchildren, Billy, Jessie, Sonya, Allie, Eric, Jordyn, Halie, Evan, Alaska, Kyle, Alex and Arizona; 8 Great-Grandchildren. Funeral service will be held 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 6, 2026 at the Lindsey Memorial Chapel with Pastor Joe Clark officiating. Interment will follow in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 noon until service time at the funeral home.

Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, VA is serving the Sims family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.highlandfuneralservice.com