Funeral services for Mr. Willie Edward “Big Epp” Sims were held on May 14 at noon from New Testament Holiness Church. Pastor Jimmie Hunter officiated. Burial followed in Peavey Cemetery. Hudson Funeral Services of Greenville, Ala., directed.

Mr. Willie Edward Sims was born Dec. 30, 1959 to the late Elijah and Francis Sims. Edward was a member of New Testament Holiness Church.  He loved football; his favorite team was the Alabama Crimson Tide.

On Nov. 21, 1995 Edward married the love of his life, Gloria Gray, and

to this union five children were born.

On May 9, 2016 Edward was called home by the Lord at his home surrounded by his family.

Edward was preceded in death by his brother,  Willie D. Sims, and stepfather, Leon Franklin.

Edward leaves to cherish his memories a loving wife of 20 years, Gloria Sims; son, Lamar “Laken” Gray; daughters, Veronica (Tadariene) Shepherd, Shadreeka Sims, Chaka (Devon) Watkins and Dominque Gray; grandchildren, Tamaron, Nike, Momo, Ovy, Trinity, Pone, Scarlett, Ava, Sariah, Tamyaha, Heated, E.J. and Nacari; sisters, Patricia “Crochen” Tipp, Lois Jean Sims and Ruby Ann Eddin; brothers, Jerry (Melissa) Sims and Lonnie (Patricia) Sims; a devoted mother-in-law, Mattie J. Gray; brothers and sisters-in-law, Edna Simmons, Willie (Shonda) Gray, Minister Curtis (Elizabeth) Gray, Katie (John) McClain, Ellen (Jerry) Ball, Margaret Gray and Corey (Lachine) Gray; friends, John H. “Mule” Mack, Chamita Grant and Bobbie Thompson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.