Kermit C. Sims | December 13, 1924 – March 12, 2020 | OBITUARY

Kermit C. Sims
December 13, 1924 – March 12, 2020
 

 

Kermit’s Obituary
Kermit C. Sims, 95, of Haines City, FL went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 12, 2020 surrounded by his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Joy Sims, of 48 years, his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and William Hinkle, his son and daughter-in-law, Marcus and Lisa Sims, his grandchildren, Maleah and Zachary Hinkle, and countless family and friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, March 16, 2020 from 5:00-8:00 PM at NorthRidge Church in Haines City, FL. A celebration of life is being held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at NorthRidge Church in Haines City, FL.

Kermit was born on December 13, 1924 in Covington County, Alabama to Harlon and Emma Sims. He graduated from Kinston High School in 1942, and moved to Florida in 1947 at 24 years old with $20 in his pocket. During his first three months in Haines City he worked at a fruit packing house before getting a job as a truck driver, which he continued to do for the following ten years. Then in 1961, he began working at Commercial Truck Terminal as a broker. Two short years later, Kermit and two other men bought Commercial Truck Terminal, and he remained there until he retired in 1996. Kermit was an active member of Rotary for over 50 years, a member of Haines City Citrus Growers, and very active in his community. Kermit was a member of NorthRidge Church (formally First Baptist Church of Haines City) for over 65 years. He was inducted in the Haines City Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, served as the Grand Marshall in the Haines City Christmas Parade, and was given the “Florida Sheriff’s Association Distinguished Service Award” by Sheriff Grady Judd as an Honorary Member for the past 60 years. Kermit Sims loved Haines City and this was evident by his commitment to serve his community.

Kermit married his loving wife, Joy, on September 3, 1971. They raised their children, Paula and Marcus, in a lovely home located in the middle of their 18 acres of orange groves. Kermit adored his wife and children, and worked hard to provide for their needs and spoil them as often as he could. While Joy tried to keep the children in line, Kermit loved to give them almost anything they ever wanted especially when Joy was out of town. Kermit and Joy traveled the world together to places like Europe and Israel, and went to every state in the U.S. except Hawaii. These travels resulted in friendships that Kermit cherished dearly.

When you think about someone with great character and stature, it is a guarantee that the name Kermit Sims comes to mind. He was a man who demonstrated integrity, strength, and love every single day. Friends of Kermit have said that, “If anyone has crowns in heaven, Kermit would be at the front of the line.” He was described as, “one of a kind, a unique person, and to come from such poor circumstances to be a man rich in heart and soul…he was something else.” Kermit was not only a phenomenal role model to his family and friends, but also to those in the business world. He was never in a hurry and loved taking the scenic route. If these attributes were not enough, Kermit had the best dry wit and you never knew when he was going to pipe up. He was a gentleman and payed attention to the details. Kermit loved gadgets, sharp dressers, Archie Bunker, his watch collection, fancy cars, and his Under Armour gear.

We have all found ourselves on a path or in a situation that we may not have anticipated, but there is comfort in knowing that we serve a God who gives us unexpected blessings. There is no doubt that God blessed Kermit and Joy with each other when they least expected it, and poured out His blessings on them throughout their 48 years together. Kermit was genuinely the most remarkable man, who taught so many about patience, integrity, selflessness, kindness, hard work, and to “be nice.”