By Kathy Chouteau
A GoFundMe has been established in the wake of the sudden death of local man, William Sims, Sr. The online fundraising page, set up by Michelle Smith, states that his wife, Renee, and daughter, Stacie, are in great need of financial support to help cover “the memorial service, the unexpected mounting expenses and the loss of income.”
Community members may recall that William Sims, Sr.’s passing was preceded by the tragic murder of his son, William Sims Jr., a 28-year-old musician who was beaten and shot to death outside a bar in El Sobrante in November 2016, according to the Not in Our Town blog. While the three men on trial were convicted of second and first degree murder, per the blog, the GoFundMe for the late musician’s father indicates the family “is still going through the court proceedings.”
The GoFundMe contributed the elder Sims’ “untimely death” as the result of “overwhelming, physical, emotional and financial stress, which was brought on by the death of [his] only son.”
The fundraising page further described the family as heartbroken as they “come to terms with this unbelievable loss” and stated that the Sims family “could use any donations you can contribute to assist the family during this difficult time. Thank you in advance and please keep the Sims family in your thoughts and prayers.”
As of this writing, the GoFundMe has raised $2,265 out of a $75,000 goal. To support the fundraiser benefiting William Sims, Sr.’s family, click here.
