Claude Sims, Sr.

Eulogy - Rev. Claude J. Sims, D. Div

Rev. Claude J. Sims was received in the arms of his Savior on April 17th, 2018. Rev. Sims ministered in area churches, missions outreach, and revivals. Rev. Sims ministered to each person he came in contact with regarding his devotion to and love for Jesus his risen Lord. Rev Sims was born 1 of 9 children to Ruth James Sims and B.A. Sims of Peidmont, Al., on May 31, 1938.

Rev. Sims has been a long time resident and business owner of Northwest Florida owning and operating Claude J. Sims Drywall Inc. for more than 40 years. Married to Shirley Bellew on March 26, 1957 and together they had 6 children; Sidney Ray Sims,
Claude (Jay) Sims, II. Cheryl Sims, Joel Sims, Michelle Sims, and Melissa Diane Sims.

He was preceded in death by his parents B.A and Ruth Sims, Siblings, Gene Sims, Mac Sims, Norman Sims, and Elizabeth Sims Haynes, daughters, Cheryl Sims Cockerel, Melissa Diane Sims (5days old) and great-grandson Jeremiah Sims (4 days old).
Rev Claude Sims is survived by his wife of 61 years Shirley Bellew Sims, Sons, Sidney Ray Sims (Angela), Jay. Sims, II. (Guy), Joel Sims (Susan), daughter Michelle Sims Jackson (Scot), 13 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren with one on the way.

He and his wife Shirley have attended Mary Esther Church of God in Mary Esther Florida for many years; he was involved and oversaw the Eagles Club, leading a team on foot each month which canvassed the surrounding area over the past 8 years going door to door, giving out over 16000 packets containing information on the church and Salvations Plan. He also ministered to the residents of Emerald Coast Nursing Home in Fort Walton Bch., Fl., the first Sunday of each month for approximately 18 years, Sharing Gods Word, praying for, and ministering to their needs, uplifting their Spirits, Reaching Souls for Christ.

Claude J. Sims Sr., was many things to us, he was foremost a Man of God who loved sharing Gods Word and bringing souls to Christ and making sure his family knew the importance of a true relationship with Jesus was the only way to Heaven, Salvations Plan.
He looked forward to the family gathering on Christmas Eve, dressing up as a Shepherd , gathering all the grand's around him on the floor and reading the Christmas Story from the Bible. It is a tradition to be continued and a memory that will always put joy in our hearts.
There are not enough words to describe the man he was to so many, but his legacy will be carried on in our family and our family Ministry. His death was unexpected and shocking to us all. It goes to show that you never know what your day will bring; he would want us to add that if you're not ready to meet the Lord, now is the time to make it right. Invite Jesus into your life, read his Word, build a relationship and walk with Him. You never know, just as he woke Tuesday morning to a normal routine that ended with a catastrophic fall…life here on earth was ended, but a new one began in Glory.

A visitation and funeral service to honor the life of Claude will be held Monday, April 23, 2018 at Mary Esther Church of God in Mary Esther, Florida. The visitation will begin at 11:00 AM followed by the service at 12:00 PM. Following the service, a funeral procession will begin to Rose Lawn Cemetery in Gulf Breeze Florida for the entombment with United States Navy Honors being rendered.

Flowers will be accepted at the church beginning at 8:00 AM Monday, April 23, 2018.

Visitation

Mary Esther Church of God
140 Green Drive
Mary Esther, FL
Monday, April 23, 2018
11:00 AM

Service

Funeral Service

Mary Esther Church of God
140 Green Drive
Mary Esther, FL
Monday, April 23, 2018
12:00 PM

Cemetery

Rose Lawn Cemetery
2942 Gulf Breeze Parkway
Gulf Breeze, FL  32563