William Abe Sims

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel 4278 Lafayette Street Marianna, Fl 32446 850.482.2332 William Abe Sims, 81, of Marianna went home to be with the Lord on Friday, January 18, 2008. He died at home, after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family. He fought the good fight, he finished the course, and he kept the faith. He was born June 13, 1926 in Jackson County to his parents, William and Mary Sims. He served a tour of duty with the United States Army and fought for our country in the Philippines in World War II. He was retired from Gulf Life Insurance Company after 15 years. Throughout his life, he taught his family the value, importance and joy of work. He enjoyed fishing, biking, growing vegetables and sharing the fruits of his labor with his family and friends. Also, he was a deacon with the Rocky Creek Baptist Church where he worshipped until he was unable to attend due to illness. He loved his wife and children, his grandchildren and his great grandchildren. God blessed him with a long and successful life, and he was a wonderful example of being content and happy at every stage of his life. He always had a thankful spirit and appreciated every kindness done for him. He was a very special person who was truly a blessing to everyone. He will be greatly missed, but his memory will live in our hearts forever. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Jinnie V. Sims of Marianna; his daughter, Annie O'Pry of Marianna; his son, Dan Sims and wife, Veronica of Dothan, AL.; two brothers, Rudolph Sims and wife, Dorothy and Herschel Sims and wife, Iris of Marianna; three sisters-in-law, Lois Sims and Doris Carpenter of Marianna and Barbara Tillman of Blountstown, one brother-in-law, James T. Carter of Marianna. He is also survived by seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. at Maddox Chapel with Revs. Luther Pumphrey, Ben Bryant and O D. Barrett officiating. Burial will follow in Rocky Creek Baptist Cemetery with full military honors given by Sneads American Legion Post 241. James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel will direct. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20, at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel.