JOHNNY LEE SIMS

Johnny Lee Sims was born June 8, 1939, to Annie Mae Ford and John R. Sims, in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1945, his mother moved to  Indianapolis, Indiana in 1945 where she met William Spencer Dixon, Sr.  Johnny became a big brother to two sisters and two brothers born of the Dixon union. Johnny remained in Alabama, with his maternal grandparents, Mattie Ford Hill and Dorothy Hill, where he completed his education.

Johnny’s early years in Birmingham laid the foundation for a life rich in education and music. He attended Alabama Public Schools, graduating from Ullman High School with high honors as the Valedictorian of his graduating class.

Johnny’s passion for music led him to expand his studies by studying Music Theory at L. A. City College and delving into the School of Technology. Embarking on a remarkable career as a professional entertainer and musician, Johnny’s talent as a guitarist shone brightly. He traveled extensively and played for numerous notable entertainers, including Albert Collins and Ike & Tina Turner.

Johnny’s professional endeavors also included a successful tenure as a Senior Account Executive in Sales and Marketing with Ameritech Publishing Inc., where he retired after many years of dedicated service.

Having moved to Indianapolis, Johnny accepted Jesus Christ into his life uniting with Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. He lived his faith through a commitment to his family and his involvement in the community (i.e. volunteer Inspector on election day). He was an active, faithful member supporting the church prior to his illness.

Johnny's love for sports, especially basketball, was another passion that he pursued with enthusiasm. His passion extended beyond spectating, as he became an influential coach at Tab Recreation and the Christian Basketball League, instilling values of teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship in young athletes.

Johnny’s intelligence and wit brought light to every conversation, and his wisdom will continue to guide those he leaves behind. Johnny’s memory will be cherished in the hearts of many, leaving a legacy that will endure through the lives he influenced.

Johnny heard the angels sing and the voice of Jesus calling, telling him it is time to come home, and on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the age of eighty-six years, he took the Savior’s hand.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; step-father, William S. Dixon, Sr.; sister, Wilma Kay Dixon; brothers, Rev. Michael D. Dixon, Sr., and William S. Dixon, Jr., and son, Terry Richardson; and father-in-law, Enoch Lindsay.

Johnny leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Linda; sons, Antoine Sims and Andre Sims; stepsons, Charles Brown and Anthony Bellamy; eleven grandchildren; brother, Zachary Sims; sister, Rev. Michelle Dixon Ogburn; mother-in-law, Jean Lindsay; seven sisters-in-law; uncle, London Dixon, Sr. (Sylvia); aunt, Alice Dixon, and a host of nieces and nephews, many cousins, other relatives, and many friends who adored him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JOHNNY LEE SIMS, please visit our floral store.