David William "Bill" Sims

David William “Bill” Sims, 68, of Rogers, died Saturday January 17 in Rogers. He was born in Springdale on September 25, 1957, to Pete and Bonnie Martin Sims. The youngest of 7 siblings, he spent his childhood in Springdale, trying to simultaneously find and stay out of trouble. After high school, Bill attended VoTech (now NWTI) in Springdale. There, he learned automotive repair skills, a trade that he used to serve others for 45 years. He worked as a mechanic at dealerships in Northwest Arkansas, where he made countless friends. He was always willing to help those in need, repairing cars for others in his driveway or on the side of the road. When he decided to slow down, he served as janitor and handyman at First Baptist Church of Lowell, and then as a mechanic and bus driver for Rogers Public Schools. In addition to repairing cars, Bill enjoyed driving and racing them. He loved to watch Nascar. He raced on various dirt tracks throughout the 1990s, and then began drag racing shortly thereafter. He still loved to go to the races, and enjoyed sharing this hobby with his son and grandsons. He also passed along his love of speed and cars to his daughter, who struggled to find a vehicle that could both accommodate her family and also accelerate quickly out of a curve. Bill thrived when helping others, but was selfless when it came to his own needs. He spent many years as a volunteer firefighter at the Lowell Fire Department. He also served on the Lowell City Council. He was a soccer coach for his son’s soccer team despite having neither played nor watched soccer. He helped chaperone youth group trips for First Baptist Church of Lowell, once having to take his large rolling toolbox along for the trip on the old rickety bus being driven to South Carolina. Most people remember Bill for his laugh and fun spirit. He often said, “I may grow old, but I refuse to grow up.” It was rare for him to turn down an adventure whether big or small. If you asked him if he wanted to participate in something, he simply responded with, “What time should I be there?” In recent years these adventures often involved his grandchildren. He once ran a spontaneous 5k in the Bahamas. He participated in many Square to Square bike rides. He was always game for a day at a water park or amusement park, where he would ride the biggest rides and joke with the characters. He was happily “That Guy” in a skit while visiting Walt Disney World, a title he cherished. He surfed for the first time 2 years ago while on a cruise. He loved being on the lake, boating, and fishing with his family. He loved to watch Razorback sports surrounded by his children and grandchildren, both in person and at home. Even more than Razorback sports, he loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at their sporting and academic events. Above all, Bill was proud of his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Dr. Haley Vo and husband Caley of Rogers; his son, Brad Sims and wife Jennifer of Rogers; his six grandchildren; Katie, Jacob, and Harper Vo; Will, Vivion, and Barrett Sims. He is also survived by Penny Sims of Lowell, the mother of his children; 2 brothers: Don Sims and wife Becky, and Harold Sims and wife Carolyn; 2 sisters: Cheryl “Jeannie” Simmons and husband Dave, and Sue Goldman. He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends that he counted as family. His parents, his brother Charles Sims, his sister Charlotte Ralston, his brother-in-law Haris Goldman, and his brother-in-law Don Ralston preceded him in death. Funeral Services will be at First Baptist Church of Lowell. The family will receive friends for an hour preceding, followed by a short service. In his honor, please donate to the Down Syndrome Connection of Northwest Arkansas, or simply help out someone in need with a small act of kindness. Funeral services will be Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 1pm at First Baptist Church of Lowell. Burial will follow at Goad Springs Cemetery in Lowell. The family will receive friends from 12-1pm at the church. Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com

David William "Bill" Sims

September 25, 1957 - January 17, 2026