George C. “Smokie” Sims, Jr. 87 , of Franklin died January 24 in Landmark Medical Center in Woonsocket from complications of COVID-19. He was the husband of Joanne M. (Rappa) for the past 66 years.
Born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, May 10, 1933, the son of the late George C. and Ruth (Duffy) Sims, Mr. Sims was a longtime Franklin resident.
He had worked for many years before retiring as an oil burner service technician for the Bullukian Oil Company.
Following his retirement, he then worked for 15 years as the maintenance worker at Dean Bank in Franklin.
Mr. Sims served in the Army during the Korean War attaining the rank of Specialist Third Class.
In addition to his wife Smokie is survived by his children, Pamela Costello and her husband Robert of Franklin, Joseph Sims of Manteca, California and Steven Sims and his wife Pamela of Franklin,
He was the brother of Ruth Parks of Old Orchid, Maine, Robert Sims and his partner Duane Kirkham of Yuma, Arizona, Miriam Bissanti of Franklin and Dawn Murphy and her husband Charles of Milford, Connecticut.
He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jennifer Sims, R.J. Sims, Kristin Costello, Katie Costello, Kerri Costello, Amanda Sims, Valerie Sims and Skyler Sims, and his great-grandchildren, James and Samantha Robinson , Gemma Sims, and Hunter Alves.
His graveside services with military honors will be held on Saturday January 30 at St. Mary Cemetery, Franklin at 11:00a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Ballou Life, 60 Mendon Rd. Woonsocket, RI 02895.
Arrangements are under the care of the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com).