William Sims, Sr.

William M. Sims, age 90, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the home of his son in Flemingsburg, with his family by his side. His wife, Martha Davis Judge Sims preceded him in death in December 2006.

Mr. Sims leaves behind children Susan D. Smith (Alan) of Mesa, Arizona, Capt William M. Sims, Jr. (Linda) of Abita Springs, Louisiana, John H. Sims (Debbie) of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, Dr. Robert E. Sims (Laura) of Nashville, Tennessee, Philip A. Sims of Midway, Kentucky, and Dr. Christopher O. Sims (Carla) of Oviedo, Florida. His legacy includes fifteen Grandchildren, twenty-four Great-Grandchildren, and two Great- Great-Grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Joanne Griffin and Edythe Gregory, both of Madison, Alabama, and several loving nieces and nephews. His sister Bettye Toombs preceded him in death. His faithful caregivers Sue Williams, Mike Williams, Melissa Shields and Elizabeth Williams made his last days peaceful.

On January 29, 1926 William, aka 'Bill', became the first and only child born to N. Malcolm and Ferne Whisman Sims of Greencastle, Indiana. Soon afterward the young family was transferred to Buffalo, New York, where William lived until his early teen years. His Mother died in 1930 and Malcolm Sims married Mary Guttery in 1932. She became 'Mother' to William for the rest of her life. As a teenager he lived in Allentown, Pennsylvania, then Louisville, Kentucky, and finally Danville, Kentucky. After graduating from Danville High School he enrolled at Centre College, where he met Martha Davis Judge, who would become his wife when he returned from a tour in the U.S. Army.

After the Army he utilized the G.I. Bill to continue at Centre, married Martha, farmed with her Father, and then returned to Centre again to finish his Bachelor's Degree.

William was a successful and well known businessman and farmer in Fleming County. He started the Dairy Queen in Flemingsburg in 1953. He was also Assistant Cashier and Cashier at the Farmers-Deposit Bank for sixteen years.

William helped establish both the local library and promotion/preservation of Fleming County covered bridges.

He was a teacher at Fleming County High and Principal at the Ewing Elementary School. He was active in the Flemingsburg Christian Church where he sang in the choir and was an Elder Emeritus.

An avid tennis player, he continued to play with considerable skill until suffering a minor stroke at age 78 that interfered with his vision.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Longview Cemetery in Bethel, Ky officiated by the Rev. Norman Wasson and the Rev. Peter Morgan with Military Funeral Honors conducted by the W.N. Fant American Legion Post #5 and the Franklin Sousley VFW Post #1834. No visitation is planned.

In Lieu of flowers memorials suggested to the Fleming County Public Library 202 By-Pass Blvd., Flemingsburg, Ky 41041 or the Flemingsburg Christian Church Memorial Fund, 201 East Water St., Flemingsburg, Ky 41041. Arrangements are in the care of Carpenter-Fritz & Vice Funeral Home.

Visitation:
o visitation is planned.

Funeral:
Graveside Service - 12:00 noon, Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Longview Cemetery

Interment:
Longview Cemetery - Bethel, Kentucky