Gabriel Sims Jr., 82, of Schenectady, New York, passed away in the early morning on July 21st. Gabe was born in Hodgewood, Alabama to the late Gabriel Sims, Sr., and Gladys Illover Sims on March 12, 1939.
Gabe graduated from Melvin High School in Melvin, Alabama. In his childhood years Gabe enjoyed being outdoors and helping his mother and father around the house and spending time with his siblings swimming in the creeks.
In 1969, Gabe moved to Albany, NY following his brother Ural. He established himself and later brought his wife and 3 children to set up residency. He then began his 30-year career with Price Chopper driving tractor trailers. After retirement, he loved watching tractor trailers go by and inquiring about them with people who drove them. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling, watching wrestling and boxing on T.V. In his spare time, he loved working on his cars (1965 Ford Thunderbird) and taking care of his house. He also loved spending time with his family, often requesting kids and grandkids come together for birthday parties.
In 1985, Gabe became a Deacon and served at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (Albany, NY) and his last service was to Mt. Olivet Missionary Baptist Church (Schenectady, NY) where he served as a Deacon and as the Church Sexton. While at Mt. Olivet, he loved to sing in the choir and enjoyed helping wherever he could.
Gabe was a kind and loving partner to his spouse Bruenell for 61 years as well as an amazing and exceptional father to his five children: Luvunia (Howard) Johnson, Gloria Catling, Donald (Gwen) Sims, Duane Sims and Nancy (LaSean) Gary. He was loved and adored by many friends and extended family. He was affectionately referred to, and commonly known as, Dad, Grandfather, Superhero, Pops, Poppa, Uncle, and “The Unit. He was always there for his family through the ups and downs and he gave them a solid foundation on how to conduct ourselves in life; and for this among other things, they are eternally grateful.
In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his loving sisters, Bernice (Chris) Fludd, Mildred (Willie) Baskin, Elaine (Alton) Davis, Dorothea (Leroy) Hawthorne and Virginia (Robert) Mitchell and 2 loving brothers, Ural (Pauline) Sims, Roosevelt (Ruth) Sims. 13 grandkids-Tasia (Obie), Jamaar (Ashley), Kyle II, Brittany, David (Demaris) Robinson, Donald Jr. (Shae) Sims, Danell (Mello) McCarthy, Dontay (Sarah), T’Neyah Gary, Dushawn Sims, Dasir Sims, Anthony Sims, Adavia Sims, Duane,Jr., and 22 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents Gabriel Sr. and Gladys Illover Sims, Siblings-Leroy Sims, Zaylee Harris, Margidel Sims and Johnnie Sims and Granddaughter Precious Illover Gary.
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