Billy Sims

Born on May 13, 1934, in Excel, Alabama, Billy was the sixth of seven children born to Sherrod and Annie Lou Sims. He grew up in Prichard, and became active in the Boy Scouts, where he later achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Billy graduated from Murphy High School in 1951. In 1960, he was united in marriage to Betty Jean Lord at Springhill Avenue Baptist Church, and together they shared 54 loving years until her passing.

Billy began his career as a draftsman with the Mobile County Tax Assessor’s Office. He dedicated 44 years of service to Mobile County, ultimately serving as Chief Administrator to the Tax Assessor until his retirement. Billy was Alabama’s first internationally designated mapper, earning the Cadastral Mapping Specialist designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers. He also shared his expertise as a mapping instructor for both the International and Alabama Associations of Assessing Officers for many years.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and hunting throughout his life, and in retirement found joy in traveling. He was a member of Pentalpha Lodge 804 and an ABBA Shriner for 69 years and Life Member.

Billy will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his dedication to his work, and his steadfast faith.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty Lord Sims; and siblings Judson Sims, Sherrod Sims Jr., Harold Sims, and Flora Bell Skinner.

He is survived by his children, Stephen (Jeanne) Sims and Stephanie (Jason) Clark; grandson, Travis Sims; granddaughter, Claire Sims Fletcher; sisters, Murphy Ann (Robert) Lucas and Kitty Sue Englebert; his loving companion, Jackie Long; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cherished friends.

A visitation will be held at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Parkway, Mobile, Alabama, on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with interment immediately afterward.

Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Ballard, Gary Osing, Wayne Turner, Joe Gurganus, Robert Lucas, and D.R. Byrne. Active pallbearers will be Stephen Sims, Jason Clark, Travis Sims, Larry Dodson, and Jamey Gaston.