Benjamin Taylor Sims, Jr.
March 31st, 1935 - July 29th, 2023
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Benjamin's Obituary
Benjamin Taylor Sims, Jr., 88, of Ferndale, Michigan, formerly of Benton Harbor, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Corwell Health Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan.
Navy Military Honors will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012, with burial to follow. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Ben’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ben was born March 31, 1935 in Dowagiac, MI to Benjamin T. & Rosalie (Matthews) Sims, Sr. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1953. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country, and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1960. On April 25, 1959, he married the former Virnell Duckett in Benton Harbor. After earning his barber certification, Ben joined his Father in the family business, Sims & Sims Barber Shop in St. Joseph, his career for many years. Ben & Virnell were long time members of The Insets as well as St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor before moving to Ferndale.
Ben is survived by his wife Virnell; his children-Darrel Bogan, Valerie Sims, Vanessa Sims, Valencia (Joshua) Forshee, Benjamin T. Sims, III; two granddaughters-Taylor & Akira Sims; a great-grandchild due in October; his sister Michelle Moore; his niece Yvette Moore & nephew Jaime Moore; and numerous friends in both Ferndale & Benton Harbor. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Navy Military Honors will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Rd., Augusta, MI 49012, with burial to follow. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. Thursday, August 17 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to sign Ben’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Ben was born March 31, 1935 in Dowagiac, MI to Benjamin T. & Rosalie (Matthews) Sims, Sr. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1953. Shortly after, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country, and remained in the Naval Reserve until 1960. On April 25, 1959, he married the former Virnell Duckett in Benton Harbor. After earning his barber certification, Ben joined his Father in the family business, Sims & Sims Barber Shop in St. Joseph, his career for many years. Ben & Virnell were long time members of The Insets as well as St. John’s Catholic Church in Benton Harbor before moving to Ferndale.
Ben is survived by his wife Virnell; his children-Darrel Bogan, Valerie Sims, Vanessa Sims, Valencia (Joshua) Forshee, Benjamin T. Sims, III; two granddaughters-Taylor & Akira Sims; a great-grandchild due in October; his sister Michelle Moore; his niece Yvette Moore & nephew Jaime Moore; and numerous friends in both Ferndale & Benton Harbor. He was preceded in death by his parents.
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