Paul Sims

Mr. Paul Sims made his transition in the early hours of Tuesday April 7, 2020. Please feel free to leave the family an everlasting note of condolence on our Tribute Page. To everything there is a season... a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted: A time to kill and a time to heal: A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance…Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 Paul Sims, was born August 19, 1931 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was one of nine children. Paul was born to the union of the late Luther and Rhoda Sims, together they had Luther Sims Jr., Paul Sims, his twin brother, Silas Sims and Marguerite Sims. Luther Sims, Sr. prior to his marriage to Rhoda brought three children, Leroy Sims, Nanny Rose Purdy and Nelson Sims. Also, Rhoda (Owens) Sims prior to her marriage to Luther brought two children, Richard Owens and Jessie Lee Hickles. All siblings predeceased Paul, leaving him the “Last Man Standing.” Paul was raised in Little Rock during impoverished economic times. His father was 58 when he was born. As a result, his father imparted words of wisdom and principals into Paul at an early age. Paul embodied Christianity and lived his life in a faithful, principled manner. His deep abiding faith was honed throughout the years. Paul graduated from high School in 1949, having attended Dunbar High School in Little Rock, AR. He then served in the Army during the Korean War. During his tour, Paul sometimes resided in San Francisco, California where his brother, Nelson Sims lived. There he bonded with all of his family from the west coast. Continuing in service, led him to the east coast as well, where he reunited with his oldest brother, Leroy Sims in Brooklyn, New York. Later, Paul received an honorable discharge from the Army and returned to Arkansas. Paul met and married Pearl Brown and to this union one child was born, Dwight Sims “Rashad.” Post marriage, Paul traveled to Kansas City, Missouri where his brother, Luther Jr. resided. Paul lived and worked in Kansas for about two years. Paul arrived in Detroit, Michigan, during the mid-60s where his mother and baby sister, Marguerite Perkins, lived. Also, his brother, Leroy’s children mostly resided in Detroit. Paul was commonly known as Uncle Paul. He began employment with Chrysler Corporation where he retired after 30 years of service. Paul married Loretha Wilson in 1976 and she preceded him in death in 1983. During retirement, he matriculated to Wayne County Community College and attained two Associates Degrees. My dad loved being a veteran and a proud supporter of the Tuskegee Airman. He wore his Tuskegee ball caps, t-shirts and jackets religiously. Education was very important to him. He was a consummate student in class and life. His passion for learning was exemplary. He gravitated to the youth and sought to make a difference sharing what he learned. He had a vigor for politics and the injustices toward black people. This inspired my dad to strike up conversations and challenge your thinking on issues that mattered. He often said the biggest influence in his life was his father, whom he watched vote for the first time in 1948 when blacks had to pay a poll tax in order to vote in Arkansas. My grandfather told him “I’m voting for your future.” Poll tax ended in Arkansas in 1964. My dad’s primary interest was family and friends. He had a relationship with all of his siblings which is a testament to his character. One of the sayings about dad was “he may show up unannounced,” but that was one of the ways he showed his love. He had a gregarious personality. His sense of humor was comical, but not of foolery, just a common sense approach. Dad filled our hearts and mind with stories, anecdotes and pearls of wisdom. He was a people person. He gave of himself to all who crossed his path. He was eager to share his life’s best practices with everyone. We know him to recall events and connect the dots for the entire family. He was the epitome of a man. A “no nonsense” and matter-of-fact type of man. He enjoyed imparting his wisdom, knowledge and discipline into the young folks. He leaves behind that challenge for the rest of us. Dad…Uncle Paul, we love and miss you! Paul made his transition in the comfort of his home in the early morning of Tuesday, April 7, 2020 (his father’s birthday). He leaves to cherish his memory: one son, Dwight Rashad (Nancy); three grandchildren, Kellie Horton, Sameerah Rashad (Brandon), and Ameena Rashad; six great grandchildren, Damar’yon, Datavi’yon, Dai’yona, Jerome, De’Twane, and D’ior; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, “adopted” sons and daughters, and a multitude of friends.

Paul Sims

August 19, 1931 - April 7, 2020