John Randall Sims

John Randall Sims, affectionally known as “Johnny”, passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at Wisteria Gardens in Pearl, MS surrounded by his family.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Morton.  Chapel service will be held 2pm Wednesday from the Ott & Lee Chapel in Morton with graveside to follow at Sims Cemetery.  Pastor Shelia Cumbest will officiate the service.  Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Morton.

Johnny was born December 30, 1940, in Gretna Louisiana, to the late Trudie Gilbert Sims and Kenneth Arthur Sims.  Although he spent the first five years of his life in Gretna, it was Morton, MS, that he would call his hometown.  He graduated from Morton High School in 1958 and served in the Mississippi National Guard for six years.  He spent 74 years in Morton working, worshipping, and serving in his community until his health no longer allowed.  In 2019, he moved to assisted living in Brandon where he could be closer to his family.

Work was one thing that Johnny knew best as he dedicated four decades of service to B.C. Rogers and Sons in Morton, Mississippi: thirty-one of those as bookkeeper at B.C. Rogers Oil Company.  He was also a partner in Sims Flowers & Gifts and Sims Men’s Store.

Johnny was an avid sports fan and especially loved all Mississippi State sports.  He loved watching Westerns and enjoyed spending time with his family.  He was a longtime member of the Morton United Methodist Church.  Johnny, who was a very soft-spoken man was truly one of the kindest, most trustworthy, and ethical people you would ever want to be associated with.

Johnny is survived by his niece, Susan Sims Cates (Colon), nephew, Ken Sims (Sheila), and sister-in-law, Elaine Sims, All of Brandon, MS.  He is also survived by great nephews, Lucas Cates of Brandon, MS and Ryan Sims (Becky) of Nashville, TN.  He is preceded in death by his mother and father, as well as his brother, Arthur Sims.

A special thanks to Peachtree Assisted Living, Chateau Pines Assisted Living and Wisteria Gardens, as well as Dr. Michael McMullen, Dr. Vincent Herrin, NP Gloria Jaques, Dr. Todd Fulcher, Home Care Hospice and their staffs for the outstanding care and the tremendous love they showed Johnny during the many years he spent in their care.