Lloyd Hampton Sims, Jr.

Lloyd Hampton Sims, Jr., age 91, of Pine Bluff, passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022. He was born to the late Lloyd Hampton Sims and Jewell Helen Price Sims on Aug. 6, 1930, in Conway, Arkansas. At an early age, he moved with his family to Pine Bluff. Lloyd was a 1948 graduate of Pine Bluff High School, and a 1952 graduate of Hendrix College with a B.A. degree in Business Administration. After college, he joined the United States Naval Reserve as a Commissioned Ensign and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. Lloyd was ordered to active duty and served as a Gunnery Division Officer aboard the USS Manchester (CL-83) during the Korean War. After receiving an honorable discharge from active duty, he continued as an officer of the United States Naval Reserve until his military retirement in 1983 at the rank of Captain.

Following his service in the Korean War, Lloyd returned to Pine Bluff and worked in the family business, Sims Signs, where they created hand-painted signs for their many customers in the Pine Bluff area until his retirement. He and the Sims Signs yellow pickup truck were local fixtures for over 50 years. He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and on various committees. Lloyd was also a member of the Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff. His family and friends will miss his sweet spirit, kindness, wisdom, humor, and his laugh. Lloyd married Betty Sue Wilson Sims on Aug. 9, 1959, and she preceded him in death on Feb. 2, 2008, after 48 years of marriage.

Survivors include two sons, David Sims (Joan) of Pine Bluff and Robert Sims (Amy) of Maumelle; a grandson, Wilson Sims (Cassie) of Benton; a granddaughter, Emily Koone of Maumelle; a sister, Judy Smith (Darrell) of Eads, Tenn.; a brother, Jerry Sims (Geraldine) of Bossier City, La.; and a very special friend, Jane Nixon of Pine Bluff.

Graveside services will be Friday, July 1, 2022, 11 a.m., in Oak Grove Cemetery at Conway with Brother Ken Thornton officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, from 5-7 p.m., at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 6501 S. Hazel St., Pine Bluff, Ark., 71603, or to a charity of the donor’s choice. For online condolences, please visit: FullerFunerals.com