Roy “Lefty” Sims has devoted his life to making the world a better place for those around him through this very philosophy.

Born in West Virginia, Sims attended school in Florida at Palm Beach College to be certified as a fire department chaplain. He served in the area for 10 years, working for approximately two years as a police officer in addition to his time as a chaplain.

In 1987, Sims and his wife Helen relocated to Gilbertsville, where Sims took up the mantle of chaplain and volunteer at the East Marshall Fire Department.

Since then, Sims has been instrumental in the growth and success of the department.

He served for four years as vice-chairman of the Fire Board, at which time he worked with Marshall County Judge-Executive Mike Miller to help secure a new facility for the East Marshall department.

“Lefty and I have been down some dusty roads together over the years,” Miller said. “Our county is blessed, and it’s because of people like Lefty. Years ago, it was a struggle sometimes to get to the fire, but now we have a new station and new equipment, and it’s because of the faithful people we have. Lefty has been more than faithful over the years, not just to the fire department, but to the community he’s always seen as his family.”

Sims extended that service not only to the community of Marshall County, but beyond. He served as a member of the Kentucky and National Chaplain Federations, offering first-hand experiences with his work and bringing the lessons he learned home.

While at the annual National Federation convention in Baton Rouge, La., Sims toured the facility that would later become the source of East Marshall’s first new fire truck.

“Lefty and I took home literature the plant had to offer,” said Helen Sims, Lefty’s wife of the last 56 years. “They looked it over and then sent two of our men down to have a look.”

The rest is, as they say, history.

The work of a chaplain is sometimes difficult and heartwrenching, though, and Helen recalled a time when her husband was touched by his position.

“We were appointed as ambassadors for the Kentucky Chaplains,” Helen said, “and we attended the ceremony for fallen firefighters on behalf of East Marshall’s Jerry Myre.

“Lefty had to go up on the platform and ring the bell as he called out Jerry’s name, number, state, company and department. It’s the highest honor a firefighter can receive, and it was very touching to Lefty.”

Though difficult, Helen said her husband wouldn’t have traded his experiences for anything.

“He wishes there were more to answer the call, and invites them to do so,” Helen said. “He’s the only fire department chaplain in this part of the state. The closest one from here is in Owensboro.”

It’s a torch that Sims wants to pass on now more than ever. The volunteer firefighter and chaplain has been stricken with Parkinson’s Disease for the last 19 years, and since 2004, his health has deteriorated quickly.

“Lefty never let things get him down,” East Marshall Assistant Fire Chief Mark Combs said. “Even after he got to where he couldn’t physically work with us anymore, Lefty took up post in dispatch. He’s an inspiration to everyone.”

No longer able to walk or speak well, Sims has since taken up residence at the Hilltop Nursing Home in Kuttawa, and even from the position he’s in, he continues to spread his influence and care.

“Lefty has truly been a joy,” said Stacie Aycock, staff member for Hilltop. “He’s part of our family, and his family is our family. We love them all dearly.”

Sims is the father of four successful children: Michael Sims, Tina Mason and Janet Vinson, all of Paducah, and Alisa Sims, who has been a teacher in Asia for the last 18 years.

The couple also has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren to boast, as well.

And Sims’ family is one that continues to grow with the people whose lives he’s affected over the years, several of which joined him last Friday at the Hilltop Nursing Home to honor him in a celebration of more than 20 years with the East Marshall Fire Department.

In a heartfelt comemmoration, Combs bestowed Sims with his 20-year fire pin.

“He is still very much loved and missed at the station,” Combs said.

Billy Jewell, Sims’ long-time friend and neighbor, agreed, stating, “I found the Lord out there at East Marshall.

“When we first moved here, I was a heavy drinker, and I had a lot of problems,” Jewell said. “I got to know Lefty and Ms. Helen, and they helped me along the way to being a better person. You couldn’t ask for better people.”

Forever devoted to his Christian faith, Sims and his wife have been members of the Christian Fellowship Church since their arrival in the county over 20 years ago, and just as nearly everywhere he went, Sims left his impression on the congregation, as well.

“We can only hope to do as much with what God has given us to be a faithful and devout servant to the Lord and community as Lefty,” said Scott Wagner, Associate Pastor of Christian Fellowship. “We have all been blessed to know him.”

Sims, who sat graciously and proud with his wife, communicated through her his thanks and humble appreciation.

“We are the ones who have been blessed,” Helen said. “We’re very fortunate to have been graced with everyone here and all those we’ve come to know and love throughout the years. God bless you all.”