of Lavaca, AR
June 19, 1921 - February 18, 2018
Admiral Leon Sims, 96, a resident of Fort Smith, formerly of Lavaca, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018, in Fort Smith.
He was born June 19, 1921, in Shoal Creek to the late Dave and Maude (Griffith) Sims. Mr. Sims is a veteran of the United States Navy serving during World War II. After his military service he spent his working years in sales, working for Bruce Rogers Company for 35 years. Mr. Sims was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Lee Sims; three sisters; five brothers and a son-in-law, Don Fenwick.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Gerri Sims of Fort Smith; a son, David Sims and wife, Pat of Lavaca; a daughter, Clara Fenwick of Lavaca; seven grandchildren, Jesse Fenwick, Jeff Fenwick, Nicole Hutchinson, Miranda Sims, Michael Griffis, Michelle Cross and Leah Harris; ten great grandchildren, Jesse Fenwick, Jr., Maryann Fenwick, Alexandria Fenwick, Williams Hutchinson, Mary Hutchinson, J.J. Johnson, Johnathan Johnson, Jeremy Johnson, Ashley White and Aimee Johnson; three great great grandchildren, Admiral Fenwick, Mary Elizabeth Poehler-Fenwick and Jesse Dean Poehler-Fenwick; a sister, Francis Hamilton of Fort Smith; a brother, Gerald Sims of Subiaco and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at the Roller Funeral Home in Paris.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 22, 2018, at the Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris with Mr. Bobby Harris officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard will follow in Oakwood Cemetery in Paris under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
His nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Mr. Sims was a wonderful man and I will miss him very much. He and I ate breakfast together many times while he lived in Lavaca. He came to the Military Road Museum many times and I sure enjoyed his stories and friendship. Thank you for your service, my friend.
Dear Clara and David, We are sad to hear this news. Uncle Ab welcomed us so warmly and shared his love of horses and family when we first moved to Paris. We always have had a warm spot in our heart for him and will have you all in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of love and hugs to you and your families, Gordena and Kim
Gerri,Clara,David,& Family,
I'm so sorry for the lost of a great loving man. He always had a smile for all and check up on all family members. That included neices and nephews.
I'm not sure if I can make it down for funeral due to being sick. But know my heart is thinking of you today and days to come.
Sharon Sims
For the almost 20 years that we knew him, Admiral was one of the kindest people we have ever known. We look forward to seeing him on the other side of the veil.
Such fun memories of papaw I will always have in my heart. Thank you for your smiles and stories. With much love, Sandy.
I love my papa so much! He was such a wonderful man who loved everyone he met. He was a man who loved life. All 96 years of it. He was a cowboy who loved his horses and I'm so fortunate as his granddaughter that I followed in his footsteps. My life will not be the same without him. I'm going to miss him so much. I love you Papaw!
I was so fortunate to be a part of Papaw's life. He was so many wonderful things. But most of all he was loved by everyone. He will be very much missed.