William Frank Sims, Ii

William Frank "Franky" Sims, II, age 53, of Cookeville, Tennessee, formerly of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 2, 2023, due to a tragic drowning incident in Daytona Beach, Florida.

A funeral service to honor Franky's life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Funeral Home, with Ricky Clay and Joel Love officiating. Following the service, Franky will be laid to rest in the Jacob Shires Family Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the United States Army. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation hours on Friday, October 6, 2023, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and again on Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Franky, a native of Maury County, Tennessee, was born on October 24, 1969, to his parents, William "Billy" Frank Sims and Peggy Jean Holt Sims. He graduated from Columbia Central High School in 1987 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in computer science from Middle Tennessee State University in 2002. Franky married Nicole Hawkins on May 14, 1994, and he proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1994 to 1998.

Professionally, Franky dedicated himself to a career as a software developer. Most recently, he worked for Leidos in Murfreesboro, Tennessee where his contributions were instrumental in assisting the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Consolidated Mail Outpatient Pharmacy. Colleagues knew him as a dedicated and productive team member who was a pleasure to work with.

Beyond his professional life, Franky was known for his deep passion for sports and his love for cooking. He possessed a witty personality and was cherished for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and willingness to help others. Most importantly, he was loved deeply by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

In addition to his wife and parents, Franky is survived by his brother, Scott Sims, his sister, Renee Sims, mother-in-law, Connie Hawkins, father-in-law, Jerry Hawkins, sisters-in-law, Tracy (Todd) Casey, Julie (Jason) Smith, and nieces and nephews, Hannah Jones, Madasen McCaig, Libby Casey, Allie Casey, Will Casey, and Wyatt Smith.

Pallbearers will be Scott Sims, Anthony Sims, Mark Warf, Brian Crawford, Lance Watson, Richard Hickman, Jason Smith, and Todd Casey. Honorary pallbearers will include the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Memorial donations may be made to the Jacob Shires Family Cemetery c/o Brenda Warf, 4356 Scott Hollow Road, Culleoka, TN 38451.

Franky's untimely departure leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his memory will be cherished eternally.