Philadelphia
Funeral Home
McClain-Hays
Visitation
Wednesday March 20, 2024, 5:00-7:00 p.m., McClain-Hays
Service
Thursday March 21, 2024, 2:00 p.m., McClain-Hays Chapel
Obituary
Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary
Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”
In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero. Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.
Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on March 18, 2024, and has moved on to his heavenly home. Retired Sergeant Lenon “Leroy” Sims, age 74, who had served within the MSARNG in the 298th Corps Support Battalion has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.
It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country. A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.
Rest in Peace Soldier. We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.
You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.
Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.
Obituary, Visitation, and Service details:
October 4, 1949 – March 18, 2024
U.S. Veteran
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday March 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from McClain-Hays Chapel with Bro. Randall Dunaway officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 20, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at McClain-Hays. Interment will be in Eastlawn Cemetery.
Lenon “Leroy” Sims was born and raised in Neshoba County, MS. He attended school at Dixon Community School. He was drafted at the age of 17 into the United States Army and the Mississippi Army National Guard serving for a total of 22 years in several different capacities, but was classified as a Radio Operator. Leroy received several medals including the Army Commendation medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal W/M Device, Army Service Ribbon, and the Overseas Service Bar twice.
Leroy was also employed by Weyerhaeuser for 42 years as a mechanic.
He loved fishing, dirt track racing, Nascar, gardening, and enjoyed playing jokes on family and friends.
He was a Christian by faith.
Leroy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Susie; daughters, Michelle Estes, and Toni Sims; all of Philadelphia, MS.; grandchildren, Kirstie Downey, Cody Estes, Gavin Nickels, and James Nickels; sisters, Carolyn Wilder, Philadelphia, MS., Debbie Fredrick (Gary), Sebastopol, MS.; brothers, Danny Sims, Gary Sims, Perry Sims, and Ricky Sims, all of Philadelphia, MS.; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and their families.
Proceeded in death by his parents, Roy and Mildred Sims; sister, Sandra O’Berry, his good friend and comrade, Josh Ladd.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Sims, Gary Sims, Brian Sims, Robert Sims, Perry Sims, Derral Spears and Gavin Nickels.
In lieu of flowers family requests all memorials be made to the Wounded Warrior Foundation or charity of choice.