Leon Sims Jr.

Leon Sims Jr. succumbed to cancer on December 4, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was 79 years old. Leon is survived by his wife, Ladonna Sims. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mae Francis Chumley; father, Leo Sims; brother, Bobby Sims; daughter, Tracy Hicks. He has three surviving siblings: Dr. Glenda and Herman McKissick, Pauline Crump, George Tardy Jr.; and step-siblings: John, Diane, Valerie, Renee, and Charlene. Leon was born May 24, 1942 in Tupelo, Mississippi. He attended George Washington Carver High School graduating class of 1960. He played baseball, football, and was also an Eagle Scout and a member of the debate team. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College. Leon served in the US Army and was a paratrooper until he was severely injured. Leon truly enjoyed fishing and hunting. He was an avid bowler up until his passing. He was a trusted participant and friend of the Top Gun League. He was a member of the Barnes Street Church of Christ. He made many friends along the way; he was just the kind of person who drew people in. He never lost his childlike spirit and love for life. Anyone who knew Leon knew that he was a loving father and the friend you could always count on. He is survived by his children and stepchildren: Leon and Beverly Sims, Petra and James Hall, Yolanda Chouteau, Felisha Gates, Julene and Antar Miller, Derrick and Marisol Sims, Sharita Sims, Candice and Derrick Red, Kourtney Sims, Kyle Sims, Issac Brown, Tamara Brown, Jonathan Brown; parents-in-law, Roy and Pinky LaGrone. Leon leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and a multitude of family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, with Pastor Fredrick Klein officiating. Burial at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Saturday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the service.