Joe Russell Sims

Joe Russell Sims, 86, of Decatur, passed away peacefully at his home October 27, 2025, after an extended illness. He was born November 30, 1938, in Roanoke, Alabama to Eula Brown Sims and Daniel W. Sims, and moved to Decatur while an infant.

A visitation for Joe will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Roselawn Funeral Home, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM with Bro. Eric Albright to officiate. Interment to follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

In his youth he became a longtime member of Southside Baptist Church in Decatur. He graduated from Decatur High School in 1957 and attended Calhoun Community College. His banking career, which spanned over 30 years, began with Morgan County National Bank (First National Bank of Decatur, AmSouth) in Decatur later taking him to other financial institutions throughout North Alabama areas. He went on to retire from Jimmy Smith Jewelers. He had a lifelong commitment to community service as an active member of the Lions Club for nearly six decades. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International Foundation, an award for dedicated humanitarian services. He was recently honored with a Lifetime Membership Award by the Decatur Lions Club and was a 2025 inductee into the Alabama Lions Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Virginia Carpenter, and brothers Herbert, Dan, Ross Leon, Lelton, James, and Thomas Sims.

He is survived by Shelba McAbee Sims, his wife of 64 years, and numerous generations of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews Dusty Maner, Joel Sims, Paul Sims, Brian Wilson, Jason Hill, and Byron Echols. Honorary pallbearers are members of Decatur Lions Club.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Hospice of the Valley for the amazing and compassionate care they gave to Mr. Sims.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joe Sims to Hospice of the Valley @240 Johnston St SE Decatur Al 35601 or Decatur Lions Club @ PO Box 1411 Decatur AL 35602.