Wilson “Woody” Sims, Sr.
Endowed Chair of Foreign Language
Woody Sims ’42 and The Webb School have had a remarkable relationship –
79 years and counting. From the day Woody Sims began at Webb in 1938, was elected to the Board of Trustees in 1954, was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni Society in 1993, and was named Trustee Emeritus in 1996, through today, his life and Webb have been entwined. Woody benefitted from the strong foundation in academics, honor and character he received at Webb, and he has spent countless hours through the years to ensure that the Webb experience continues.
Family and friends are now honoring Woody Sims and his relationship with Webb by establishing the Wilson “Woody” Sims, Sr. Endowed Chair of Foreign Language. “We hit the jackpot in life with parents like Mom and Dad. We are so thrilled to honor Dad this way. He’s been associated with The Webb School in a meaningful way for almost 80 years -- from a freshman boarder in ’38 to Trustee Emeritus. We are so pleased that his chair will fund excellence in teaching at Webb and impact the lives of students for years to come! Our thanks and gratitude to everyone involved!” Wilson Sims, Jr. 1972 Webb graduate Son
“Throughout Dad’s life, my father has demonstrated supreme loyalty towards his family, friends, and beloved institutions. Those who have been lucky enough to know or work with him have been captured by his brilliant wit, humble spirit, and his steady, timeless and unwavering support and love.” Suzanne Sims Haizlip Daughter
“Every member of our family, intimate and extended, knows the gift of Dad’s care ... We could not be the individuals or family we are without his powerful loving intervention. He is remarkable and dearly beloved. Mom has stood beside Dad celebrating and enjoying just about every interest and aspect of his adult life. She has often directed, enlarged and sharpened his views. They are partners, from care of family and friends, to church and community services ... . Knowing and loving Dad as she does, she certainly appreciates this school!” Ricki Sims Baer Daughter
Wilson “Woody� Sims, Sr. A native of Nashville, Woody is the son of the late Grace Wilson Sims and Cecil Sims. He graduated from The Webb School in 1942. He enrolled in Vanderbilt University and enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve that summer. A year later, he was sent by the Marine Corps to complete his college course work at the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1945.
Commissioned a Second Lieutenant After being commissioned a Second Lieutenant, in 1945, he was assigned to the Intelligence staff of the Marine Corps in Quantico as part of team planning for the invasion of Japan. He was discharged from active duty shortly after the war ended, but remained with the Marine Corps Reserve. He graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in 1948 and immediately joined Bass, Berry & Sims, a firm co-founded by his father. He married Linda Bell of Springfield, Tennessee, later that year. In 1950 during the Korean War, he was recalled to active duty, was assigned to the U.S. Naval School of Justice in Providence, R.I. and graduated with honors. He served as a legal officer at Parris Island, S.C., for two years.
50 Years at Bass, Berry & Sims During his 50-year practice with Bass, Berry & Sims, he served as General Counsel or on the Board of Directors of more than 10 publicly and privately held companies. Also in his profession, he served as president of the Tennessee and Nashville Bar Associations, founder and first chairman of the Tennessee Bar Foundation, a member of the American Bar Association and was appointed by the governor as chairman of the Tennessee Commissions on Human Relations. Through the years, he has served both the University of North Carolina and Vanderbilt University in a myriad of capacities, including as life member of the Chancellor’s council at both schools. He received the Distinguished Service Award from Vanderbilt Law School. Woody was also active in civic and political organizations including the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, and for more than 20 years was a trustee of Meharry Medical College. At Webb, he served on the Tradition and Vision Campaign and has been an active fundraising volunteer through the years for The Webb Fund and the Burkhead Society. As an emeritus trustee, he still regularly attends board meetings and participates on the development committee.
“In addition to being a gifted and accomplished trial lawyer, Woody was a leader in transitioning our firm from a family firm to one recognized across the country for its sound judgment and expertise in the most complex matters.” Bob F. Thompson, Partner Bass Berry & Sims, Trustee Emeritus at The Webb School and a 1965 graduate
The Wilson “Woody” Sims, Sr. Chair of Foreign Language
The Wilson Sims, Sr. Chair of Foreign Language will be a permanent endowment, and the proceeds from this endowment will fund, in perpetuity, a distinguished member of the faculty to lead the teaching in this academic discipline. “We love our dear friends Woody and Linda and are excited that our generation can impact future ones through the establishment of this Chair at Webb School.” Mary Coble Follin and “Big Ed” Graham, friends of Woody and Linda
“The heart of any school is its faculty. Webb wants to attract and retain the best faculty to prepare our students for college and beyond. Endowed chairs help the school offer a competitive compensation package and provide a way for Webb to honor an outstanding teacher who is having a significant impact at the school.” Head of School Ray Broadhead
“As a French (or, language) teacher, I want to broaden the horizons of my students. Learning language in what we may call “real time” allows us to develop language by using it in first-hand experiences. As they learn language, Webb students are getting opportunities to have rich cultural experiences and to embrace the world.” Chair of the Department of Foreign Language Moira Smith
“Woody Sims has been a very positive and guiding influence in our lives since we were children. The Summers and Ingram families have long been close to Woody and his family, and we are delighted to celebrate and perpetuate the core values and endearing character he represents.” Friends Orrin and Lee Ann Ingram
For more information about the Wilson “Woody” Sims, Sr. Endowed Chair, contact Matt Wilson, Alumni and Development Director, at 931-389-5722 or mwilson@webbschool.com.
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