William Benjamin Sims, Sr.

He is survived by his beautiful wife Mary of 69 years; daughter Debbie de la Fuente- husband Carlos, granddaughters Jaelle- husband Cameron and Danielle, son William (Bill) Sims Jr.- wife Cindy, granddaughters Shayna, and Kaylee, brother Bobby Ray and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Ben was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers- Emmett (Therrel) and Roger Sims.

Ben graduated from Auburn University in December 1953 with a bachelor’s degree in industrial management and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force in February 1954. Mary and Ben went on their first date in the summer of 1954 and married later that year on December 4th, in Fairhope Alabama. From there, they were off to Anchorage Alaska to be stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. After completing two years of active duty, Ben remained in the Air Force Reserves for 28 years and retired as a Colonel.

In 1962, Ben moved his family from Mobile, Alabama to Merritt Island, Florida where he worked for NASA supporting the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle programs for over 30 years, retiring in 1994.

Ben loved God and brought the family up in church and attended First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. Every time the church doors were open, the Sims family was there. Ben was an usher at the church and taught Jr. High boys Sunday School. His love for God had a forever impact on his family and those around him.

Ben loved playing racquetball and golf. He also enjoyed water skiing, swimming, and boating with family and friends. In Ben’s retirement years, he went on numerous trips with Mary and the church’s Golden Ramblers all over the U.S. and overseas. He always said the most beautiful place he ever visited was Yellowstone.

Ben spent many hours volunteering at The House of Hope and Wuesthoff Memorial Hospital’s information desk. One of Ben’s greatest joys was for him and Mary to spend time with their granddaughters and to participate in their activities and achievements.

It is hard to put such a special life into words. Ben was a dedicated family man, a wonderful husband, father, Papa, and friend – and he will be dearly missed until we see him again in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the House of Hope Food and Clothing Ministry of First Baptist Church of Merritt Island. Follow the donation link below.

A visitation gathering for Ben will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island followed by a funeral service at 1:30 PM.