William Sims Jr.

1932 - 2026

Sims Jr., William

March 15, 1932 - February 19, 2026

William Aubrey Sims, Jr. ("Bill" or "Doc" to his friends) passed away on February 19, 2026, after a brief illness. He was just shy of his 94th birthday.

Bill was born in Jefferson City, Missouri on March 15, 1932, to Marie Schneider and William Aubrey ("Dick") Sims. An only child, Bill was independent and lived life on his own terms from an early age. He was an excellent student and an accomplished musician. His home was filled with music and friends. These themes carried him through life.

Bill received his undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri, and his medical degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He pursued a specialty in anesthesiology which he practiced for more than 35 years as a dedicated member of the surgical teams at Barnes and Deaconess Hospitals.

During his early years in residency, he met the love of his life, Betty Green. They had two daughters, Betsy and Molly. Bill always had "two lives" his robust city home and his active country home. His life in St. Louis was filled with work, kids' school activities, Betty's charity work and eventually her political career. His life in Gasconade / Franklin County was where he relaxed. Bill was a farmer at heart. He loved the land, his cattle, horses, gardens and most importantly his beloved dogs.

He was a life-long learner. After retiring from the hospital, he became a master gardener, and pursued courses from art to world politics to ancient religions. He loved his church and was the mischievous instigator of much local social activity.

Bill was a man of principle and ethics. He had an incredibly quick wit, wry sense of humor, and, later in life, endless stories to share. When asked recently what he saw as his greatest life accomplishments, Bill responded, "I'd like to believe I was a very good friend." His many close friends would agree.

Bill is preceded by his parents and his wife, Betty. He leaves behind his daughters, Betsy Duff (Jim) and Molly Weber (Grant), and his grandchildren, Patrick Duff, Maggie Duff, Morgan Weber, Liam Weber, and Sophia Weber.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lupton Millard Chapel, 7233 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63130.

Funeral Service will be at 2:00 PM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at The Church of St. Michael & St. George, 6345 Wydown Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63105.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Bill's memory to High Tails Animal Sanctuary https://tinyurl.com/hightailsanimalsanctuarymo, Evelyn's House, Bellefontaine Cemetery or a favorite charity of your choice.

Lupton Millard Chapel

7233 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO. 63130

314-721-1870