In the heart of Lewisburg, West Virginia stands Simms Service Station, an icon not just of auto and atv service, but of unwavering community commitment. While its proprietor, George Simms, might seem a touch reserved or sparing with his words, his commitment to the community and veterans is beyond reproach. Each year, George pours countless hours into the Annual Greenbrier River Fishing Classic, turning the river’s glistening waves into ripples of positive change for the veterans and community he holds dear. George’s silent dedication is a testament to the adage that actions truly speak louder than words. George is our Greenbrier County Hero of the Week.
[WVDN] Why did you choose to make Greenbrier County your home?
I was born and raised in Greenbrier County and I love it here.
[WVDN] Your Dad was the famous Bud Simms. Why did you decide to continue in his footsteps and continue running the service station in downtown Lewisburg?
He was not only my Dad but my best friend and my war hero. I continued to carry on his legacy.
[WVDN] What’s the most interesting customer or repair you’ve done that restores your faith in kindness and community service?
I cannot point out any special customer or repair, but meeting people and making friends through the business has been special. We have many wonderful people in our area and many are my customers.
[WVDN] You are a founder and President of the Annual Greenbrier River Fishing Classic at the Greenbrier County Youth Camp. What made you create and support this noble cause?
Over the years, the organization has provided guides and volunteers to float our nation’s wounded and disabled veterans for the tournament and has acquired canoes, kayaks, and fly-fishing gear that the Greenbrier County Youth Camp is able to use to provide campers with opportunities to access and enjoy all the resources the Greenbrier River has to offer.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the tremendous support from our local community. We have a lot of businesses and individuals throughout the region that have generously supported our efforts year after year through donations and dedicating time and resources to ensure that we can operate successfully. This event serves as a catalyst for local conservation efforts and makes sure that we can engage new participants in the outdoors and see that our wounded and disabled veterans can reconnect while at the same time creating a fun atmosphere to showcase the abundant natural resources our region has to offer.
[WVDN] Can you share a particularly memorable person or event during the Classic and how it impacted you and the community?
A few years ago, a veteran joined the classic and expressed that he was very close to ending his life, but spending time with the group saved his life, giving him a new meaning and feeling of belonging.
[WVDN] If you could go back in time and spend an hour with any West Virginian from history, who would it be and what burning question would you ask them?
My grandfathers. They were both great outdoorsmen, farmers and woodsmen and died before I really knew them. There would not be just a specific question, but just to listen to how life was for them.
About The Greenbrier County Hero
Greenbrier County Hero is a weekly column highlighting interesting people living in Greenbrier County. The column was originally named “Meet a Greenbrier Countian” which ran in The West Virginia Daily News for multiple decades. If you know of a person or organization that embodies the spirit of humanitarian service, volunteerism and/or has exceptional talent, please, let us know! Send your nominations to hero@wvdn.com.
