Mr. Willie Lee Sims

Willie Lee Sims was the fourth child of six children, born in Holly Springs, Mississippi on June 4, 1940, to the late Allen and Vera Lucille Sims. He accepted Christ at an early age and united with Providence Missionary Baptist Church in Holly Springs. Upon graduation from Sims High School, he briefly attended Mississippi Industrial College, before deciding to enlist in the U. S. Army with his best friend. After boot camp in Ft. Chaffe, AR, while stationed at Nike Site Missile Base in Waukesha, Wisconsin, he married the love of his life, Lizzie Clark Sims. He was then deployed to serve in Gerrnanv, where he proudly completed one tour. After being honorably discharged in 1965, Willie joined his family in Milwaukee, WI, was hired by the A. 0, Smith Corporation and resided there until the Lord called him home on January 29, 2019. Willie loved the Lord and united with Tabernacle Community Baptist Church shortly after moving to Milwaukee. He was a loyal and devoted member, serving under three pastors, Reverend Jewel Williams, Reverend Robert L Hartis and Reverend Don Darius Butler, and was as a faithful member of Usher Board Number Two for more than 50 years. He was also a member of the church transportation ministry and enjoyed years of fellowship with his Sunday school class. "Uncle Willie", "Uric", "Bill, or "Will", as he was lovingly called by many, genuinely loved his family and was a favorite among the children and youth. For many years he and Liz extended their home to generations of family members, providing shelter as they looked to complete various stages of their education, sought summer jobs, were between jobs, or those 'who just needed a safe home during life's storms. A self taught spaghetti chef and barbecue grill master, no summer cookout, bid wiz party or family gathering was complete without his tasty cuisine and comical antics. Throughout his life Willie worked hard, played hard, laughed much and loved dearly. He enjoyed a long-standing career as a tool and die setter working with A.O. Smith Corporation/Tower Automotive for more than 33 years. Early in his career he also pursued and earned an Associate Degree in automotive repair from Milwaukee Area Technical College. Willie turned his passion for cars into an enriching small business, repairing damaged cars and restoring antique automobiles. Willie was a self-trained masterful craftsman, who's children proudly proclaimed, "my dad can fix anything". He particularly enjoyed remodeling his homes and keeping his lawn in pristine condition. Willie's home improvement handiwork graced and blessed the home of many family members. He was known for his major rec room redesigns, bedroom and bath additions, garage workshop conversions, fireplaces, and the often much need emergency home repairs. Willie Lee Sims' work and church life were well balanced by the 100'e and laughter shared with his devoted wife, children and family. He [ived his life serving others, helping numerous family members, church members, co-workers, friends, neighbors and strangers. Often sharing his words of wisdom for handling everyday crises or life's most challenging difficulties. Willie was known to freely give advice with candor and concern for other's wellbeing. Willie loved to entertain, fish, hunt, bowl and trawl. He will be dearly missed by many and fondly remembered for having fun, adventurous family vacations, family picnics in the park, famous house parties, the family's Spring escapes south to get a relief from Wisconsin's harsh winters, and especially for his many, many Mississippi hunting trips, and most joyful Christmas celebrations. His loving spirit, bright smile, and vibrant personality will be forever cherished by his loving wife, Lizzie Clark Sims; son, Oscar (Alice) Bailey; daughters, Carletta Sims (Wayne) Brown and Willette Sims; grandchildren: Doremus, Joshua, Justin, Zen-ier, Chinue, and Thandiwe, great-grandchildren, Makayla, Justin, [r., Malik, [ayden, Dillon, and Kennedy; sister, Mary Thompson; brothers: Richard Eugene, Rogers (Segretta), and Eddie Sims; brother-in- law Willie Clark; sisters-in-law: Shirley McClure, lris (James) Jones, and Debbie Taylor; and countless beloved nieces, nephews, in-laws, extended family members, former co-workers, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Braddock, a niece and several nephews. Rest in Peace Willie, the hart'est is done, and the storm has passed, "We'U Meet You in the Morning"!

Mr. Willie Lee Sims

June 4, 1940 - January 29, 2019