William "Bill" H. Sims

Bill Sims, 78, of Rockford, passed away December 5, 2021 at St. Anthony OSF, after a long struggle with cancer.

Bill led a long and interesting life. This life started in Florence, AL on July 26,1943 but he certainly did not stay there long! Eventually the family moved to Alaska, and while that may have been change and adventure enough for most, he decided to join the navy 1961 - 1965 and go see the world. The world he got to see even included a research trip to Antarctica!

As Bill left the Navy in 1965, he embarked on a new adventure, marrying his one and only wife of 56 years, Teresa Strada Sims. "Settling down" did not mean staying put as Bill went to work for the FAA, moving back to Alaska, then to Panama, before settling for good in NW Illinois.

Bill was a faithful follower of his Lord, Jesus Christ, and was always ready with a small sermon or life lesson should a teaching moment arise. He also lent a hand or dollar to anyone in need, and was always ready to be a surrogate Grandpa to the little ones at church. May we always be as ready to do "whatever" as he was.

Bill is survived by his wife: Teresa Strada Sims, and two children: Brian Sims of Round Hill VA, and Rhonda (Ted) Thayer of Crystal Lake IL. He is also survived by 3 siblings: Larry (Marilyn) Sims of Culver OR, Shirley Gay of Tucson AZ and Mary (Mark Ingrahm) Sims of Big Lake AK. Additional survivors include 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley "Red" and Ruby Sims, and two siblings: Annette Gibbons and David Sims.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 1:30 p.m. until time of a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. located at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bill’s name to Samuelson Road Church of the Nazarene 3183 Samuelson Rd, Rockford, IL 61109.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com