Pete Sims Jr

Brother Pete Sims Jr. was born on May 11, 1924 in El Dorado, AR to Pete Samuel and Eva Mae Richard Sims. Pete accepted Christ at an early age.  He was a devoted member and trustee of First Baptist Church-Cordell in El Dorado, AR. He graduated from Washington High School in 1942.   After graduation, he joined the U.S  Army, fighting for our country in the European theater of WW II .  Mr. Sims always had a fascination with the funeral industry. As a child and teenager he hung out at Andrew's Funeral Home on Hillsboro.  After discharge from the military he went to Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. After graduation he and a friend established Sims and Shaw  Mortuary and Burial Association  in 1951.   He and his brother, Floyd " Sammy"  later partnered to form Sims Mortuary, Inc.   At some point and time he met, courted, and married Ella Louise Smith. They were unable to have a child of their own, but God blessed them with a little baby girl, a God child, whom they made their own.  They were the happy family, until Ella passed away 12 years later.  In his wife's memory, an educator, he created Ella Loiuse Sims Memorial scholarship fund through Union County Community  Foundation.     He was a devoted member of Gusher Elk Lodge 350 and National and State Funeral Directors Associations.  He was very active in the El Dorado community, always giving back.and mentoring many others.  He was a member of many organizations  often serving in an official capacity. He served on several professional, and civic advisory boards. Pete received many awards and accolades from his many professional and civic organizations   Pete Sims Jr. was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Levi , Floyd S., and Sears W. Sims. He leaves to cherish his memory, a daughter Stephanie Crater,a son Martavious Carrigan, and granddaughters Chloe  (Alex) and Tai (Jacob) Rutledge ,  a great grandson, Ari Betton and a dearly beloved friend, Alfriza Moore,  a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.Visitation at the funeral home will be Friday, April 15, 2016 from 9 am to 4 pm. A wake will be held from 6 to 8 pm at First Baptist Church-Cordell. Homegoing  will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church-Cordell, 620 Cordell, El Dorado, AR 71730 with Rev. Pierce Moore officiating. Interment will be held at the Arlington  Memorial Gardens El Dorado, AR under the direction of the Sims Mortuary Staff. He will be entombed in the mausoleum.   To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Pete Sims Jr, please visit our flower store.