Memorials

Willis J. “Bill” Sims, Jr., 60, of South Whitley, received his wings and flew away to heaven to be with his parents at 7:25 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2008 at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne.
He was born April 29, 1948 in Huntington, Indiana a son of Willis J. and Geraldine F. (Cunningham) Sims. His formative years were spent in South Whitley where he completed his education.
On September 11, 1965 he was united in marriage to Roberta J. Fisher. They have always made their home in the South Whitley area, moving to their present home 15 years ago.
For the past 12 years, he has owned and operated Bill Sims Machine Shop.
Those waiting to join him are his wife of 42 years, Roberta; five children, James Edward (Connie) Sims of South Whitley, Angela Joy (John Neadstine) Williams of Monroeville, Tammy Jean (Herb Shepherd) Sims of South Whitley, Mark Robert Sims of South Whitley and Jenny Jenel (Darrell Guerin) Johnson; 10 grandchildren; four sisters, Phyllis (Gerald) Stayer of North Manchester, Fran (Dick) Adams of Comfort, Texas, Judy (John) Wilmont of Columbia City and Rita Shelton of Columbia City; four brothers, Chester (Liz) Sims of Churubusco, Charles David (Glenda) Sims of South Whitley, Larry (Judy) Sims of Columbia City and Tim (Beth) Sims of Michigan; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends and customers of his business.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29, 2008 at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley with Rev. Jason Tash, associate pastor at New Hope Wesleyan Church, officiating. The burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Preferred memorials may be directed to the final expense account at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel.

Messages of condolence for the family may be left below or by visiting www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com