Ronald Lee ‘Ron’ Rowell
TOANO Ronald Lee “Ron” Rowell was born Oct. 3, 1960, to Alice and James Rowell Sr. and entered into eternal sleep Monday, Jan. 4, 2021, at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
Raised in the Williamsburg area, Ron was educated in Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools and graduated from Lafayette High School. He worked as a custodian for the Charles City Public School System. His vibrant personality and willingness to help everyone caused anyone who came in contact with him to love him.
On Jan. 12, 2013, Ronald and Yvette Carter were joined in holy matrimony.
Ron loved his friends, but he especially loved his family. He made sure that his family was taken care of even if it meant walking from Toano to Charles City to see about his precious baby girl.
Alva Harris Simms
WILLIAMSBURG Retired U.S. Army Master Sgt. Alva Harris Simms, 85, peacefully passed away Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, at Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center.
Master Sgt. Simms served more than 26 years as a Korean and Vietnam War veteran. He completed two tours in Vietnam, three tours in Germany and one in Turkey.
His decorations included the Bronze Star Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and eight Good Conduct medals.
Upon retiring from active duty, Master Sgt. Simms was employed for 20 years at the U.S. Army Transportation School, Fort Eustis, as an instructor and supervisory training specialist. He received the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service when he retired from civilian service.