Vernon Lee Sims, 90, of The Home Place, in Paris, Texas, passed away Monday, June 4, 2018, in The Home Place. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday, June 7, 2018, in the chapel of Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery with Matthew Sims, Joshua Armstrong, Jeremy Armstrong, Josh Geer, Thomas McCellan, and David Whittle serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service on Thursday in the chapel.
Vernon Lee Sims was born on October 25, 1927, in Novice, Texas a son of Ollie and Nellie Sims. He loved to tell stories of his childhood especially riding his horse, Dixie, to school every day, rain or shine. Other stories include meeting his wife Christene and experiences in the military. His dad opened Main Tire Store where he worked. Later he and his brother N.B. bought the store. He retired at age 70.
Mr. Sims attended Paris Schools. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II, was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where he enjoyed Quinton Hawkins Sunday School class and hearing Dr. Semple preach. Later, he attended Christ Community Church. He also was a 32nd degree Mason. He married Christene Curlee in February of 1947 in Clarksville, Texas. She was the love of his life and called her Mama Gal or his Sweetie.
He is survived by children, Michael L. Sims and wife Jocasta, Marcia Woods and husband Thomas; grandchildren, Matthew Sims and wife Christena, Laurie Geer and husband Josh, Joshua Armstrong, Jeremy Armstrong and wife Shayla. Great-grandchildren include Hailey, Adrianna, and Liam Sims, Cooper Armstrong, Ava and Ash Armstrong. He is also survived by other step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.
Mr. Sims was preceded in death by his wife, Christene, his mother, Nellie, preceded him when he was a month old, his father, Ollie Sims, step-mother, Mattie Sims, step-sister, Nita Christian, step-brother, NB Nation, his special granddaughter, Bailee Sims and daughter-in-law, Annie Lois Sims.
Family request memorials be made to Shriner’s Hospital or Gideons International.
