Samuel Theopoles Sims

Samuel Sims, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and veteran, passed away surrounded by the love of his family. He was born on January 25, 1945, in Nashville, Tennessee, to William and Lillian Gertrude Sims. Samuel was the seventh of eleven children and grew up in a home full of love and family in Nashville. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Mercedes Parker, Shirley A.

Caldwell, Lillian Hunter, and Leonard Sims.

As a young man, Samuel earned his GED in 1962, but he would continue his journey to higher education. He left home as a teenager to serve his country, proudly spending eight years in the United States Army, including two tours in Vietnam. During his service, he earned numerous honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Good Conduct Medals (1st and 2nd Award), three Overseas Bars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He rose to the rank of Staff Sergeant and was a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, famously known as the “Screaming Eagles.”

While stationed in Vietnam, Samuel met the love of his life, Huong Hua, in Bien Hoa, in 1969. They married and started a beautiful family, welcoming their children Antonio and Darlene in Vietnam. Samuel had two children prior to his military service, Kenneth Wayne and Tameka, and later, after settling in Detroit, Michigan, he and Huong were blessed with two more daughters, Luciana and Angel.

After his honorable discharge from the army, Samuel moved his young family to Detroit, where he was warmly welcomed by his sister, Lillian, and her husband, Robert. His early years in Detroit were filled with hard work and determination. Samuel worked as a mechanic before beginning a long and distinguished career at General Motors. His drive to learn and achieve led him to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a master’s degree from Lawrence Technological University.

Samuel’s contributions to the automotive industry were exceptional. He was a key contributor to the Corvette ZR-1 engine, with his work displayed in the Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. His innovative thinking also led to the development of a modular sequence system for prototypes, revolutionizing GM’s assembly processes. Before retiring after 29 years, he managed GM’s Global Web

Design team. His achievements were recognized in 1986 when he appeared on the cover of Black Engineer magazine for his remarkable contributions to the industry.

Beyond his career, Samuel was a man of many passions and deep faith. He loved bowling, working with his hands, fixing cars and computers, and sharing stories that made everyone laugh. He was wise, honest, and a source of guidance for his family, raising his children with strong morals and values. After his son, Antonio, rededicated his life to Christ, Samuel and his family soon followed, strengthening

their walk with God and one another. He faithfully attended weekly Thursday night virtual Bible study meetings with his brothers and prayed daily.

Samuel cherished time with his family and friends, whether welcoming loved ones into his home, enjoying music, especially Marvin Gaye, or watching old westerns. He adored his grandchildren and loved sitting outside with them in the backyard, taking in the beauty of God’s creation. His generosity, humor, integrity, and love for life touched everyone who knew him..

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Huong Sims; his six children, Kenneth (Sarah) Sims, Tameka Gant, Antonio (Nina) Sims, Darlene Pearson (Reggie Rounds), Luciana (Marcel) Porter, and Angel (Dwayne) Merritt; a host of grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; six brothers, William (Zola) Sims Jr., James Sims, Derry (Angie) Sims, Henry (Casandria) Sims, Michael (Victoria) Sims, and Joel (Karen) Sims; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Samuel Sims will be remembered as a man of courage, wisdom, and love, a man who touched countless lives with his generosity, humor, and remarkable faith. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were blessed to know him. He will be missed dearly. Samuel‘s passing is earth’s loss, but heaven's gain. All who are in Christ will see Samuel again on that great and glorious day of the Lord’s

return..

A visitation for Samuel will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

An in state will occur Monday, August 11, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 AM at True Worship Church Detroit - A Foursquare Gospel Church, 13031 Chandler Park Dr, Detroit, MI 48213.

Samuel will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI.