Legacy of late funeral director still ripples through business

A legacy: From left to right, the Rev. Felton Burgies, chaplain, owner and managing director Robert Henderson, co-owner and apprentice funeral director Natashia Henderson and the Rev. Barry Dodson pose for a faculty picture with the Sim’s Mortuary hearse.
A legacy: From left to right, the Rev. Felton Burgies, chaplain, owner and managing director Robert Henderson, co-owner and apprentice funeral director Natashia Henderson and the Rev. Barry Dodson pose for a faculty picture with the Sim’s Mortuary hearse.

By Haley Smith

Staff Writer

EL DORADO — One year ago today, El Dorado lost a prominent business man.

“He was known as a historian, one of the greatest embalmers and restorative artists in the state. He was also known as a savvy businessman, and made profitable investments, a leader in his church (First Baptist Cordell) and also the community,”said Robert Henderson, the new owner and manager of Sim’s Mortuary.

On April 12, 2016, Pete Sims Jr., owner of Sims Mortuary, passed away at the age of 91.

Sims was born on May 11, 1924, in El Dorado to Peter Samuel and Eva Mae Richard Sims.

He graduated from Washington High School in 1942.

After graduation, he joined the U.S. Army and fought in World War II.

He eventually met and married Ella Louise Smith and although they were unable to have a child of their own, they were blessed with a goddaughter that they claimed as their own. They had a happy 12 years until Ella’s passing.

“Although he had no children of his own he was a father to many, he gave great advice and wise council. Those who really knew him could attest to his great since of humor,” said Henderson.

In memory of his wife, Sims set up the Ella Louise Sims Memorial Scholarship fund through the Union County Community Foundation.

He was a member of Gusher Elk Lodge 350 and national and state funeral directors associations.

Sims was very active in the community, always giving back and mentoring many others. He was a member of many organizations often serving in an official capacity. He served on several professional and civic advisory boards. Sims received many awards and accolades from his many professional and civic organizations.

According to his obituary, Sims always had a fascination with the funeral industry. As a child and teenager, he hung out at Andrews Funeral Home on Hillsboro. After being discharged from the military, he went to Atlanta College of Mortuary Science. After graduation, he and a friend established Sims and Shaw Mortuary and Burial Association in 1951. He and his brother, Floyd “Sammy,” later partnered to form Sims Mortuary, Inc.

“He was a very timely man. He believed great quality from the first time the phone rang to the end of the call. He always instilled in his employees to be first class and cared about his fellow man. He taught people how to be successful and prosperous,” Henderson explained.

Sims Mortuary has been serving the families of El Dorado and surrounding areas for 65 years. It is their mission to serve families during times of loss with honesty and integrity that the community has come to expect.

He was known for saying things like, “Here at Sims Mortuary you get first class service, first class merchandise,” and “customer service is one of the important things.”

After his passing, the business and Sims’ legacy, was purchased by his employee Robert Henderson and his wife Natashia on Oct. 14, 2016.

Henderson brings decades of knowledge to his new business. He has been a licensed funeral director with the Sim’s Mortuary family since 2010.

He is also a licensed burial agent with the Sims-Shaw Burial Association, an Insurance agent with First Guaranty Life Insurance Company and a bonded notary public.

He went to school at Grambling State University were he graduated in 2004 with a degree in computer information systems.

Although Sims is under new ownership and management, the community can still rely on the same compassion and professional services, Henderson said.

Haley Smith is a staff writer for the El Dorado News- Times. She can be reached by email at [email protected]. Follow her on facebook and twitter at @hsmithEDNT.

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