Mr. Larry Leroy Sims Sr.

Larry Leroy Sims, Sr. was born on June 12th, 1962, in Seattle, Washington, to the union of Dorothy and Venus J. Sims, Sr., and was the sixth of seven children. Larry transitioned to his heavenly home on March 23rd, 2024, in Seattle, WA, due to natural causes related to hypertension.

Larry graduated from Queen Anne High School in 1980 and enjoyed playing football and basketball and hanging out with his lifelong friends Gerald Kennedy, Chris Holmes, DeLuan Damper, and Craig Mott. He furthered his education at Renton Technical College, where he studied Carpentry. Larry worked as an environmental health sanitation safety technician and ship scaler for Todd Shipyards Labor Department. He was also employed with the Port of Seattle and the Urban League of Seattle.

Sharon Smith, Larry's lifelong partner and forever love, reflects on their journey of love. "We met in 1979; I wanted to get to know Larry at first sight; my friend Tracy introduced us". Sharon reveals that Larry initially wanted to end their friendship because she was younger than him; she was 14 years old while Larry was 16. However, Sharon trusted her heart and instinct and would still attend his football games and other activities. In the meantime, Larry's brother, Vernon, knew Larry felt the same way about her and understood his hesitancy. So, he told Sharon, "I'll talk to my brother, and I'll put a good word in for you …but you'll have to wash my car for a week!" She thought this was so funny, but without hesitation, she followed her heart; and washed Vernon's car for a week! Larry & Sharon continued this friendship; they were inseparable, and their love grew. In 1985, they welcomed Larry's only child, a sweet baby boy, and named him Larry Leroy Sims, Jr. Larry's best friend Gerald and his wife Terrie were honored to become the Godparents of Larry, Jr.

To know Larry is to know that he had a strong affection for his mom, dad, son, grandson, baby sister, brothers, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. He was a serious guy who took his responsibilities, relationships, and friendships seriously. He was an observer, a deep thinker, and a strong leader. Larry was beloved by all and encouraged everyone to be excellent and to let their light shine.

Larry has lived a life filled with love, leaving many cherished memories for his loved ones to revere. His forever partner: Sharon Smith. Son: Larry L Sims, Jr. Grandson: Larry L Sims, III, and his extended daughter: Kinyatta Releford, who warmly called him Daddy Larry, and extended Grandchildren: Zaiir and Meaira, who lovingly called him Papa Larry. His "favorite" Sister, Cathie (Larry) Wilmore. Brothers: Bishop Alfred Roberson, Rickie (Ruth) Roberson, Ronnie (ShaRone) Roberson, Donnie (Fredia) Roberson, Vernon Sims, and a loving sister-in-law, Louise Sims, all of Seattle, WA. He also leaves a host of adoring nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins. Godson’s: De’Aunte and De’Laun Damper and his precious 98-year-old Great Auntie Ida Graham.

Larry is preceded in death by his loving parents, Dorothy and Venus Sims, Sr., Brother: Venus Sims, Jr., Seattle, WA. Nathaniel Sims, Sr., Alice McGlothin, Gwen Echols of Fresno, California, and Peggy Sims of Federal Way. His extended daughter, Mechele Smith, and his Godmother, Gloria Jean Williams.

Larry, your presence illuminated the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know you. You will be deeply missed.

May our lights continue to shine …as bright as Larry's hopes and dreams for us all.

Rest in peace- until we all meet again.

The family of Mr. Larry Leroy Sims Sr. has entrusted the care of their loved one to the staff of Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery.