Sgt. De'Aundrae C. Sims I

After graduating from Kemper County High School, De’Aundrae joined the United States Marine Corps in May 2007.

De’Aundrae’s duties took him to Texas, Alabama and eventually to Oregon in 2014 where he met the love of his life, Dominique Ornelas. The couple exchanged wedding vows in Portland on September 14, 2017.

De’Aundrae was a fierce Pittsburgh Steelers fan and a devoted Marine. He was committed to his physical health, his church life and especially to his family. Among many things, he enjoyed sports, music and watching WWE Wrestling.

De’Aundrae had a reputation for knowing everything. He would have told you he did if you just asked him. HUH? He was also very particular and had clear expectations for all things in life. One may say that it was his way or no way at all.

In November 2016, De’Aundrae was diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in the Blast Crisis Phase. His inpatient treatment prevented him and his then-fiancé, Dominique, from attending that year’s Marine Corps Ball. Knowing how important this event was to him, local Marine brothers and sisters brought the ball to De’Aundrae’s hospital room. They celebrated with dress uniforms, ball gowns and even cake, delivered directly from the actual ball.

De’Aundrae went to be with his Lord on February 6, 2018, with his loving family at his side. He leaves to carry on his legacy, his adoring wife, Dominique; three sons, Andres Martinez, Ke’Aundrae Kilpatrick and De’Aundrae Sims II; his siblings, Ennis Sims, DaMarcus Sims, Courtney Sims, DeVonté Cullum, Jamie Hill, and Kimberly Williams; his beloved grandmother; and many other family members who love him. De’Aundrae was preceded in death by his mother, Lafetta, and his grandfather, Duette.