Mr. Sammie L. Sims, 76, of Phenix City, AL passed Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in Columbus, GA.
Funeral service to be held 12:00 p.m. EST, Friday, April 12, 2024 at Fourth Street Baptist Church with Rev. Johnny Flakes, III, pastor, officiating. Public viewing from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. the day of the service at Fourth Street Baptist Church.
Sammie Lee Sims was born to Tommie Lee and Inell Sims on March 7, 1948 in Phenix City, Alabama. He departed this life April 3, 2024.
Sam was one of nine boys born to Inell and Tommie Lee Sims of which he was very proud of his family.
Sam, as he was affectionately known by family and friends attended Mother Mary Mission 1st - 8th grade, then transferring to South Girard High School. While at South Girard he excelled in academics and athletics. He was voted class president and valedictorian of his graduating class. Participating in basketball, baseball, football and track, college scouts began to see his overall talents on the field and in the classroom. One of his biggest accomplishments was playing on his high school basketball team that finished third place nationally in 1966.
Sam received a full four year scholarship to Villa Nova University in Pennsylvania, where he graduated with his law degree. Sam then went into private practice for 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Inell and Tommie Lee Sims and three brothers, Arthur, Robert and Tommie.
Survivors include one sister and five brothers, Betty Ann, Ben (Willie Mae) Sims of Opelika, AL, Lester (Peggy) Sims of Midland, GA, Norman (Freddie) of Sasser, Gregory of Macon, GA and Marvin of Atlanta, GA and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and friends.
Sheena Babers sent Ocean Devotion for Mr. Sammie L. Sims - April 11, 2024
We send our heartfelt prayers and condolences to our cousin Sam's family.
Sheena Babers, daughter of the late Jimmie McFarland Phoenix, Arizona.
William Lawrence sent Beautiful Dreams for Mr. Sammie L. Sims - April 11, 2024
From William and Laura Lawrence
Jetties White sent Small Garden Dish for Mr. Sammie L. Sims - April 11, 2024
With Deepest Sympathy
Eugene G. White
Beautiful Dreams was sent for Mr. Sammie L. Sims - April 08, 2024
He was the best teacher I remember when he came to rigdon road and he was our substituted teacher and he would give us a joke to say and he said who ever said it first would get some candy and I said it and the joke was like this sim-sister-sim-sang-sim-sang-sing-song-sim-sang-sister-sing-sang and I got and and he said he would bring it the next time he came but he never came that day so I was so sad that I thought something happened to him and I never saw him and the day after that they was talking about that he died from something and I got so sad like what happened so i stared crying while I was there the hole time
Mr Sims was the best coach and he always used to check on me when he used to see me working in the attendance office with Mrs Brooks at G.W. Carver High School he will be truly missed. RIP Brittany Slaughter-Thompson
Mr Sims was the best coach and he always used to check on me when he used to see me working in the attendance office with Mrs Brooks at G.W. Carver High School he will be truly missed. RIP
Sammie was my floor counselor freshman year at Villanova in 1970. He was a fair and engaging leader who promoted individuality and pride in hard work and professionalism. His stories of times on the basketball court against top name schools and All Americans were entertaining and reflected his work ethic and pride in accomplishments, no matter how small it may seem. He was a credit to his family and Villanova and he has had a lasting impact on my life. My heartfelt condolences to his family for your loss. Wire '74
The best carver high school teacher ever you will be truly missed
You will be truly missed the best carver high school teacher ever
I pray that the Sims family will find comfort and peace in the beautiful memories they shared with Sam. Sam was a nice guy and the ultimate host. I was shocked and sorry to hear of his transition. Rest in Peace, Sam. Your "dash" is filled with purpose. "To be ABSENT from the body is to be PRESENT with the Lord." (Joan Nelson Hood, friend of Randy Cross)
My heartfelt and sincere condolences to Sam's family and friends.He was so proud and loved his family immensly and shared so many wonderful stories about you.My question to him often was what was the dinner table like at your House? Your Mom must've been a Saint along with Miracle worker. I met Sam our first day at Nova as fellow basketball recruits ending our time there as co-captains. That day we became friends for life.We shared so many great times throughout our days there and beyond.Sam was a good player and very talented in so many areas but he was an All Star as a person. Friendly and kind to all, he was such a great ambassador for the Villanova basketball program and community.Sam was probably the most popular man on campus.He made us all proud.There are so many great times and laughter we shared.I am so saddened by my friend's passing but it is offset by the smile that he brings to me with so many great memories. I am blessed and appreciative to have shared that friendship and brotherhood.I learned so much from this Good Man.He will remain in my thoughts and prayers forever. I know he will be greatly missed but hope that you can take comfort in so many fond memories and knowing Sam certainly left this life "Better than he found it'. Cheers Frannie O'Hanlon
Our cousin you will truly be missed๐๐ฝ
I send my condolences and sympathy to the Sims family and to all who knew Sam. While I did not know him personally, I was a high-school mate of his younger brothers Norman, Greg and Marvin. Those schoolmates reflected high character, discipline and friendship. I can only imagine that Sam, as an older brother and role model, had a lot to do with instilling the qualities I saw in his younger siblings. It is my loss that I did not know Sam, but I think I did see a bit of him through his family. I've sent a prayer that God will lighten your burden during your time of grief.
Milton Miles and family.
My heartfelt condolences to the Sims family.
Geraldine Redd HS Class of 1966
To my precious and dearest classmate Lester Sims and the entire Sims family, please accept my sincere condolences in the passing of your beloved Sammie. I am beyond devastated and cannot fully articulate the enormous grief that saddles my heart. I hope you can find comfort in the words, thoughts and prayers coming your way.
Sam and I developed a friendship that began more than three decades ago. We spent many holidays and weekends together, often breaking bread with friends over a festive table heavily plated with Southern Comfort food. Between us all, there was more than enough food, laughter and love to fill Madison Square Garden...twice. No matter where we relocated, we always managed to keep in touch.
Whenever it was just Sammie and me, we were uninhibitedly/outrageously goofy and silly. Performing for an audience of ourselves, we spent hours singing (Sam's rendition of "One In A Million" by Larry Graham was Platinum caliber); spontaneously dancing like maniacs; quietly relaxing to R&B (our favorite cassette was 1985-'86 Freddie Jackson and the 1979 single "Cruisin" by Smokey Robinson); telling corny jokes like a couple of teenagers; and watching football and basketball games on television as we shamelessly chowed down on over-the-top chili dogs, potato chips and Pepsi. And when I visited him on his turf, he cooked for me and once baked the most delicious cake. Sammie was a great cook. And In the not so good times, we were there for each other to just listen, to offer a shoulder to cry on and a heart to rely on. We were the "That's What Friends Are For" buddies.
Sammie, I will miss you terribly. Your hearty laughter was infectious; your gentle hugs were comforting; and your soft kisses to my forehead were endearing. You were always the gentleman. I hope I gave you as much joy as you gave me. I want to believe we will meet again. Until then, you are with me in my heart for Always and Forever, ShirleyMcKnightโค๏ธ
Mr. Sims was a substitute teacher, role model, and good friend to the teachers and students at Allen Elementary School. His passing was a shock to us all. His smile, sense of humor, and dedication to our students will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences to the Sims family. Felicia Thompson, Principal
Sorry for your Lost Mary jo
Condolences from Juanita Jackson Stewart. Class member 1966
Very kind soul.
I was saddened to hear of Sam's passing and pray his transition was a peaceful one. I met Sam when he was in law school and I was a college junior. I have many loving memories of our friendship and the time we shared. I will always remember Sam's hard work and dedication to his endeavors, his love for his parents and siblings, thoughtfulness when it came to others and his playful nature. Sam liked the O'Jays music and would often sing one of their hits. Whenever I hear those tunes, I always think of him with a smile. Sam was one of kind, a special gentleman. I hope your memories of Sam comfort you now and in the years to come. Wishing all of you my sympathy, peace and God's blessings. Ms. Pat Douglass
Heartfelt condolences to the Sims Family! We appreciated Sammie for his legal consult and his willingness to assist us when needed! Rest in peace! Life well-lived!
The White Family
I am still in shock. I am sorry I didn't get to see you.
My condolence to Mr. Sims(Sammie) For the short time we knew each other you showed yourself to be a loving and caring person. You will be missed. Chris
My Deepest Sympathies to the Sims Family and All Friends. May God be with each of you and comfort you. Love you, Lametrie H.
He was an imposing figure, but a gentle giant. I met him in my freshman year at Villanova University. He encouraged many of us with his warm and friendly personality! ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ Rest in Peace, My Brother! ๐๐พ๐๐พ๐๐พ B Jamison, VU Class of '74
Sam "Sammie" Sims was one of my Big Brothers at Villanova. With his warm "My Friend " greeting Wisdom would exude from every conversation I had with him. While Sam has taken his dancing position around the Throne of God, his legacy will live on through those of us he touched. Pastor Ted Freeman
I met Sammie at Villanova University. I was an underclassmen when I met him. I always admired his willingness to mentor me and others even in regard to his busy schedule as a student and college athlete. Sims always seemed to make your day brighter. I was sorry to hear that we had lossed him. May he rest in peace.
Sam was a good Inspiration for me in our Psychology class. After taking over the class from Mr. Robinson he would always call on me. He would then turn around and answer the question that he had asked me to the class. May GOD continue to BLESS the Sims's Family. Jimmy "Goat" Austin and Family
Deepest condolences and prayers for the Sims Family. Van Barrett & Family.
I would like to offer my condolences to the Sim's family. Sam and I have been friends since the first grade at Mother Mary Mission. He will be truly missed. ~The Golden Family
I would like to offer my condolences to the Sims family. Sam and I started school together in the first grade at Mother Mary Mission, he will be truly miss. From the Golden family.
Sending condolences & prayers to your family. Very nice person, Mr. Sims you will be missed. Elaine Thomas
Sending condolences & prayers to your family. Very nice person, Mr. Sims you will be missed. Elaine Thomas
It's devastating Mr. Sims died, condolences to his family
Condolences and God's Grace to the family. Fond memories of Sammie & I since the 1st Grade at Mother Mary Mission School. We were always in continuous competition with each other. He was always the smartest but i could always out run him!
REST IN PEACE SAMMIE my friend.
Our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to the entire Sims family. We pray that God will grant you all the strength that is needed during this most difficult time God bless each of you. From Wanda Woods Thorne and Family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
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