With deepest and profound sympathy we announce the transition of Dr. Arthur D. Sims, Sr. who entered into rest September 8, 2024.

Dr. Arthur D. Sims, Sr. was born March 22, 1944 in Maxeys, Georgia to the late Rev. James H. Sims, Sr. and Sarah E. Sims. Rev. Sims gave his life to Christ at the age of five by uniting with Oconee Baptist Church and was baptized by the Rev. J. C. Williams.

For the first nine years of his life, he was raised on a 162 acres farm and thereby knew the discipline of farm life. His mother prepared him well for school as he entered Oconee Elementary School at the age of five and began his studies in the second grade. At Oconee, he soon became known for his gift of singing and academic achievement. At the age of nine, the family moved to Athens, GA, where he enrolled in the Union Baptist Institute, a private and public school.

He soon enrolled at Athens High Industrial School where he was a soloist for the school's chorus and graduated an honor student and ranked number five in his class of 105. He received the principal's award from Professor H. T. Edwards in Music. Dr. Sims was taught to sing and influenced greatly in Music by his teachers: Rev. W. F. Billups, Professor H. T. Edwards, and Mrs. Carrie Billups.

In 1961, he enrolled at Paine College in Augusta, GA where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in History and minor in Philosophy of Religion. While at Paine, he excelled in Music; receiving voice training from Dr. Emily Remington, Ms. Porter Remington, and Ms. Ruby Jenkins. He was also president of the school's chorus and a member of the concert choir; and song extensively for school activities as well as in the community.

While a student at Paine, he was called to preach the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was licensed to preach the gospel by his father at the Ebenezer Baptist Church West in Athens, GA. during the pastorate of the Rev. William James Hudson. Dr. Sims was called to pastor the Crossroad Baptist Church in Washington, GA at the age of 18; and at the age of 19, he became the pastor of the First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Augusta, GA. The Mt. Moriah Baptist Church was rebuilt under his leadership and became a persuasive force in the Augusta Community.

While pastoring in Augusta, he attended Morehouse School of religion under the auspices of the Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, GA. As a student at ITC, he led the student government and graduated with a Masters of Divinity Degree. He also received the Malthalathian Award for having the Highest Grade Point Average (GPA) for Morehouse School of Religion.

In 1966, he married Jeanne Gloria Stephens Sims (deceased). Four children was born to this union.

Pastor Sims became a leader in Civil Rights and maintained two broadcast ministries. In addition to pastoring and being a Civil Rights leader, he became the Executive Director of the Community Development Project, a Rust DuPont Poverty Program. He also established the First Community Action Program.

Dr. Sims became a recording Artist for the Nashboro Recording Company in Nashville, TN, and Jewel Recording Company, Shreveport, Louisiana becoming known as the Songbird of the South as he rendered many concerts.

In 1974, he became the youngest pastor of the Historic First Bryan Missionary Baptist Church in Savannah, GA. While at First Bryan, he maintained a radio broadcast ministry and produced a live televised service. He reestablished the identity of First Bryan as the Oldest Black Baptist Church in North America. Under his leadership the membership flourished, particularly with young people.

In 1982, he became the pastor of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Institutional Church in Orlando, FL. During his pastorate there, he continued with developing a radio ministry, purchased property for the church and grew the membership.

Dr. Sims, in 1990, became the founder and organizing pastor of the Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills, Orlando, FL.

In 1992, Rev. Sims married Jerrie Coleman Sims. She has been a relentless supporter of his ministry, mother and grandmother to their children, 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.
​Included among his numerous awards and honors are: AACCC Past President and Founder; Minister of the Year, Georgia Council of Ministers, 1970; President, Florida General Baptist Congress of Christian Education; Dean, Florida General Baptist Congress of Christian Education; Chairman, Board of Directors, Florida General Baptist Convention; Member, Board of Directors, National Congress of Christian Education; Member, State Advisory Board, Human Resources of Orange County; Legend Award from Delta Omicron Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (2018).

At the time of his demise, he was affiliated with: Chief Advisor to the President of the Florida General Baptist Congress of Christian Education; Member, Florida General Baptist Congress of Christian Education; Member, Baptist Ministerial Alliance, Orlando, FL; Member, National Baptist Convention, U.S.A., Inc.; Member, Bethel Baptist Association.

Dr. Sims' memory will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife, Jerrie C. Sims; daughter, Artarshia (Ivon) Sims-Joseph; sons, Arthur Sims II, Antonio (Ellyce) Sims, Pastor Alandus (Crystal) Sims, Addison (Temwa) Sims; sisters, Lucille Sheats, Fannie (Joseph) Smith, Lillian (Gene) Johnson; brothers, Rev. James H. (Linda) Sims Jr., Robert Sims; 15 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; and a host of other relatives, colleagues, past congregations, and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 5-8PM, at Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills, Orlando. A service of Celebration for a life well lived will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, 12:00 Noon at Fellowship Baptist Church of Pine Hills, 6225 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando with Pastor Alandus Sims Sr., officiating. Interment: Woodlawn Memorial Park, Orlando.

Professional Services have been entrusted to Postell's Mortuary (Orlando, FL.)

https://postellsmortuary.com