Michael “Mike’ Roy Sims of Conroe, Texas passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus surrounded by his family on September 19, 2023, after a lengthy battle with Dementia. He leaves behind a legacy that will forever be cherished by his family and friends.
Mike was born, the youngest of six children, on February 22, 1940, in Ft. Worth, Texas to Solomon and Juanita Sims. In 1957, he met his future wife, Ella Ann Ryan at Technical High School in Ft. Worth. They married October 17, 1958, and would have celebrated 65 years of marriage in October. Mike and Ann were blessed with the birth of two children, Steven Michael, and Karen Sue Sims. Mike and Ann moved to Conroe in 1971 and have remained in the area ever since.
In 1958, Mike began working with a master furniture restorer in Ft. Worth and moved to Houston to continue improving his craft working for Foley’s warehouse. While working for Foley’s, he became acquainted with some Houston Firefighters and knew that was the career he wanted to pursue. He entered the cadet program at age 29 and was the oldest in his cadet class. His nickname was “Pappy” and he retired from the Houston Fire Department in 1991. In 1980, he opened his own business, Sims Furniture Restoration, in the Conroe area, and closed the business in 2013. His hands were skilled in restoring old pieces to their former glory and his craftmanship will continue to grace our homes as a lasting testament to his artistry.
Mike accepted Christ as his Savior as a young teen at Hemphill Heights Assembly of God in Ft. Worth. He renewed his commitment to Christ at Mims Baptist Church on February 12, 1978. Mike loved to share about Jesus and would always invite them to church. It was his greatest desire that the plan of salvation was presented to those he had the opportunity to talk to. He had an infectious smile and humor which will never be forgotten. He was an active member of China Grove Baptist Church till his failing health did not allow him to attend regularly.
Anyone who knew Mike would attest to his love for fishing and hunting. He spent many hours with a fishing pole in his hand. Whether he was casting his line in a lake or sharing fishing tales with family and friends. His love of fishing was a reflection of his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He loved to take his family and friends fishing and was often referred to as “The Fish Whisperer” as he always knew just the right place to fish. After retirement, Mike and Ann enjoyed many years of traveling in their RV enjoying the mountains, spending months in Rockport saltwater fishing and attending Western Swing events in various cities. Mike loved to dance and often said he wore out the soles of his boots while waltzing across Texas.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Solomon and Juanita Sims, his son, Steven Michael Sims. Sisters, Thelma Sims, Mary Grissom, and Patricia Veach, and brother Carroll Sims. Surviving to cherish his memory is his wife, Ella Ann Sims, daughter Karen Sue Bennett and husband Paul. His Grandchildren, Ryan Cantrell and wife Jess, Chase Cantrell and wife Mandy, Dustin Bennett and wife Candace, and Paul Lee Bennett. His precious great grandchildren, Collins Cantrell, Emilia Cantrell (due December 2023), Andy Cantrell, Rykr Laskoskie, and Loki Laskoskie, Carter Fikac, Camden Bennett, and Gracelynn “Gracie” Bennett, Kayden Bennett, and Cooper Bennett; sister, Dorothy McElhaney of Athens, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank his Oasis Hospice nurse, Lynne Mahoney, and aide Tramicka for their excellent care of Mike. We would also like to thank our friends and neighbors who helped in his care, Jeff Foxworth, John and Dottie Robinson, Dave and Beverly Hunter, Arlie and Mary Telschow, Mike Archal and John & Monica Andrews and finally our church family whose prayers and cards lifted our spirits.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 7, 2023 at 2:00pm at Cashner Funeral Home with Pastor Johnny Dowell and friend, Joe Corley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Mike requested donations be made to China Grove Building Fund, 6420 FM 3081, Willis, Texas 77378.
