Obituary of Richard Samuel Simms

Richard S. Simms Jr., was a blessing to all who knew him; because of his sociable, outgoing personality and his love of people, there is a multitude of men, women and children who are grieving the passing of this wonderful man today. Ricky was born on November 14, 1975 in Kalamazoo, MI and was called Home on Friday, August 5, 2016. He was the first treasured child of Richard S. and Jo Ann (Bailey) Simms and brought them love, joy, pride, happiness, laughter and indescribable loss. Ricky was a spiritual person and derived great pleasure and comfort studying the Bible and engaging in deep scriptural discussions. His faith and love of the Lord was one of the strong bonds he shared with his wife, the former Tameka Williams, whom he married June 14, 2008. Ricky was devoted to his children and got great joy from working and playing with his kids. Nothing gave him more pleasure than being able to provide for his family. Ricky was a bright student, graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1993. During his life, which was far too brief, Ricky worked in a variety of position in areas beginning with fast food in high school, the paper and automotive industry, opening his own convenience store (South Pointe) and ending with operating a forklift in a medical warehouse. Whatever his employment endeavors, he was a fast learner, a hard worker and always analyzed the most efficient way to accomplish a task. Ricky had a wide-ranging assortment of interests from reading any subject, listening to all genres of music, watching movies to fishing and playing board games with his family. In fact, his wife taught him how to fish, a pastime he grew to enjoy immensely. He especially took delight in learning and debating any topic dissecting an issue to its very core. He made many friends throughout his life and had a great impact on many people and will be missed more than words could ever describe. Ricky is preceded in death by his father, Richard S. Simms Sr., his grandparents Donald and Mabel Simms and Gordon Bailey. He leaves behind his wife, Tameka Simms and his children, Julian Simms, Donivon Simms, Demitrius Simms, Adrian Simms, D’Laylah Simms and his mother Jo Ann Simms. He also leaves his brothers and sisters: James (Sonya) Simms, Tennille (Al Whitley) Simms, Donald (Andretta) Simms, Catherine Simms, Margo (Daniel Franklin) and George Burns. He is also survived by his in-laws: Leroy (Sharon) Williams, Angela Shaw, Eric White, Mya Williams, Marquitta Williams, Ebbonie (Rocco Ferraro), Leroy Jones, Eddie Jones, James Jones, Arthur Jones and Barbara Jones. As the favorite Uncle, Ricky will be missed beyond measures by many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a host of cousins, aunts and uncles and a treasure chest of friends to cherish his memory. Our hearts may be filled with sadness, drowning in our own tears because he no longer walks with us. But, we must allow ourselves to remember those happy memories of his life so our hearts can smile again.