Sims H. Reeves

Tupelo - Sims H. Reeves, Sr. died at the age 98 on Monday, July 20, 2026, at North Mississippi Medical Center.

Sims was born on Saturday, October 22, 1927 to his parents, William Cleveland Reeves and Ara Anna Hurley in Loretta, Tennessee. He lived a life of unwavering faith, humble service, and steadfast patriotism. His legacy is one of faith in God, love of country, compassion for people, and a servant's heart that never stopped giving until the very end.

Sims dedicated 23 years of his life to serving his nation in the United States Air Force. Rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel, he retired as a B-52 bomber pilot, a role he carried with immense pride. His patriotism was not something that was reserved just for holidays or special occasions, it was his life. He believed wholeheartedly in serving his country and never lost the deep appreciation he held for the freedoms it represents.

His heart for service extended way beyond his military career. His grandchildren even called him “Colonel Granddaddy.” He was the very definition of a servant. Whether lending a helping hand to family and friends or serving his church at Saint James Catholic Church, he found genuine joy in putting others before himself. Those who knew him best often described him as having the biggest heart they had ever known and he lived out all of the values that he whole heartedly believed in. Sims also sought to make a difference in his community by serving as Tupelo Ward 2 Councilman from 1993 until 1997. His desire was never about recognition, but about finding another way to serve the people around him.

When he wasn't helping others, Sims could be found enjoying God's creation. He loved tending his garden, watching birds, and spending time outdoors. He never met an animal that he didn't like. Over the years, he had a beloved succession of dogs named Foxy 1, Foxy 2, through Foxy 5, until his final four-legged companion, a female that he named Roxie. Every time Sims enjoyed his favorite candy, Peanut M&M's, Roxie was always given at least half of one. His fondness for the colorful candies even grew into a collection of M&M dispensers, a hobby his family encouraged by gifting him new additions through the years.

He is survived by his two children, Deborah Bain and Sims Reeves Jr. (Laura); his grandchildren, Ginnie Waite (Denny), Bo Bain (Gena), Anna Lauren Sullivan (Dan), Katie Reeves, Tom Reeves (Rylie), Robert Hemmen (Paisley), Joseph Hemmen (Kara) and Elizabeth Coble (Seth); and a host of great-grandchildren.

Sims was preceded in death by his parents; fourteen siblings; first wife of 24 years, Genevieve Francis Reeves; and second wife of 39 years, Betty Joyce Hemmen Reeves.

Pallbearers for the service will be, Bo Bain, Denny Waite, Dan Sullivan, Tom Reeves and Sims Reeves Jr.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Friday, July 24, 2026, at Saint James Catholic Church.

The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Saint James Catholic Church with Father Tim Murphy officiating. A graveside service will follow at Lee Memorial Park. Pegues Funeral Directors have been entrusted with the care of his arrangements.

The family would like to recognize and give a special thanks to Sims’ caregiver, Robbie Fields for her care and compassion shown to him and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory to the Tupelo Lee Humane Society, at P.O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.