Bruce Edgar Sims

It is with heartfelt sympathy, that we announce the passing of Mr. Bruce Edgar Sims of Ashland, AL, who transitioned on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at the age of 57. We ask that you keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

Bruce E. Sims was born December 6, 1965, to Horace E. Sims and Irene Watkins Sims.  At an early age, he professed Christ Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  Following his dad's footsteps, he rose to be the Lay Leader of Plesant Grove United Methodist Church in Ashland. 

Bruce graduated from Clay County High School as a basketball and football standout.  He attended Herzing Technical College in Birmingham majoring in internet technology.  He was a highly decorated U. S. Army Sergeant. He was trained as an excellent helicopter mechanic and crew member of the U. S. Army, UH-60 (Black-Hawk) helicopter, making sure they were safe and ready to fly in hundreds of army missions anywhere in the world.  He won three (3) U. S. Army Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Medal, a Korea Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, an Overseas Service Ribbon, a Basic Aviation Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Certification.  He retired from the military with an Honorable Discharge on January 1, 2007.

Bruce once again followed in his dad's footsteps and joined the Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #963 in Ashland, Alabama where he had risen to be a 3rd Degree Mason.  The Honorable Bruce Sims was very proud to have been elected by his constituents of Clay County to become the first member of his family to become an elected official.  He served six years on the Clay County Board of Education, where he served to help children learn and the school system become the best possible school district.  Keeping the family tradition of becoming a pioneering history maker and successful businessman, Bruce E. Sims followed in his grandfather, dad, and several of his uncle's footsteps by becoming an entrepreneur,
when he opened Sims Barbershop, the first Black-owned barbershop in Ashland and Clay County.  It is a first-class facility and has in the past been equipped to have a hair salon, clothing jewelry, and fashion boutique.

Bruce E. Sims was a servant to many causes and an inspiration to many people.  Mr. Sims traded mortality for immortality to be with the Almighty God on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, in Ashland, Alabama surrounded by his family, friends, and caregivers from Clay County Hospital.  He was 57 years old.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father and mother, Horace and Irene Sims; grandfather and grandmother, Palestine and Nellie Baker Sims; and all of his patriarchal uncles and one aunt.  

Those left to cherish his memories include his loving and devoted wife, Sherrie Hayes-Sims of Lineville, AL; sons, Franklin (Shamon) Few, of Ashland, AL, Tacovi (Raven) Barclay of Talladega, AL; daughters, Tyler Irene Sims (Anthony) of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Ashley Ahart Sims (William) of Chicago, IL, Lakesha Hayes (Daryl Harris) of Birmingham, AL; sisters, Meriam (Eddie, Sr.) Tucker of Talladega, AL, Carol Ann Sims and Angela Roberson, both of Ashland, AL; grandchildren, Tacovi Barclay, Jr., Dezie Harris, Bella Harris, and Ryen Barclay; niece, Nakia White; nephew, Eddie Tucker, Jr., matriarchal aunt, Jean Woods of Anniston and many other nieces, nephews, cousins, mothers-in-law, Earnestine Caldwell of Lineville and Margie Fields of Dayton, Ohio and other family members, in-laws and friends.

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