Lee Andrew Sims, 76, was born in Barberton, Ohio on July 3, 1947, and was the eldest of nine children born to Andrew and Earlean Sims.  Lee united with The Livingstone Baptist Church in Barberton on June 18, 1958, and was baptized on July 6, 1958.  He graduated from Barberton High School in 1966.  He attended Ashland College on a basketball scholarship and played under Coach Bill Musselman where Lee achieved All-American status.  He later transferred to Moorhead State College in Minnesota.  He moved to Columbus, Ohio and later worked as a reentry advocate, helping formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society.  He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren when they came to visit.  He loved his family and "siblings" as he so often referred to his sister and brothers, visiting with them often until his health prevented him.  He departed this life on Friday, December 22, 2023, in Columbus.

Lee was preceded in death by parents, Andrew and Earlean Sims; brothers, Henry, Timothy and Anthony; special cousin, Catherine Huffman; stepmother, Ruth Sims and special friend, Kate Sommer.

He leaves to cherish his memory, son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Amanda Sims of Akron, Ohio; daughter Cherrian Jones of Barberton, Ohio; former wife, Shirley Sims of Barberton, Ohio; grandchildren, Kevin, Jamari, and Janica; great-grandchildren, Noah, Kevin, Jr., Melani and River; brothers, Joe Sims of Akron, Ohio, Dr. Charles Sims of Louisville, Ohio, Zettie Sims of Canton, Ohio, Richard (Sandee) Sims of Green Bay, Wisconsin; sister, Audrey Sims of Barberton, Ohio; special cousins, Tisha (Jesse) Henderson of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Pastor Paul (Bonita) Watson, Sr. of Sandusky, Ohio; uncle, Esau Sims of Spring Hill, Florida; aunts, Louise Sims-Askew of Barberton, Ohio, Gwendolyn (John) Richardson and Alice Sims, both of Notasulga, Alabama; special friends, Judy Spitler and Hureara 'Big Dog' Baker, both of Columbus, Ohio; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins other relatives and friends.  Condolences may be sent to 523 Fairhill Dr., Akron 44413.