Lance Sims was born in 1937 on a farm between Damon and West Columbia, Texas. Lance is the youngest of 10 boys. In those days, the Sims family learned how to live off the land and how to live within their means. They grew what they ate and had just enough money to buy the necessities. From a young age, Lance learned the meaning of hard work, dedication and commitment. He also learned that growing up with a large family on a farm does nurture close family ties and teach that family is the most precious gift. In addition, growing up on a family farm teaches you to be kind to one another, especially your neighbors.
Lance was a great athlete in school and he was drawn to sports and helping adolescents in need. Whether it was giving money to a single mother with two young boys so they could participate in sports, being a mentor to young men who lost their father, supporting a co-worker with a sick child, or providing transportation for kids to sporting events, Lance is one of the most unselfish men that we know. He and his family have done without, but would never complain, so others could have.
In 1987, while chopping firewood, Lance noticed a stain on his shirt. He dismissed the stain until he took off his shirt and realized the stain was caused from the blood being discharged from his left nipple. is GP wanted to send him to MD Anderson for X-rays and further testing, but MD Anderson refused treatment because they were not set up to provide mammogram services to men. Lance ended up at SW Memorial where he eventually was diagnosed with breast cancer. He underwent surgery and 6 1/2 months of chemotherapy. During this time, his friends didn’t know how to react or what to do, so they stayed away from him. Not only did Lance feel isolated, but he also lost his job when his company went out of business. He maintained his courage and set out to find temporary work and ended up at a florist (now he has a knack for flower arranging) close to his home.
At 75, Lance has been married to Mary Beth for 57 years, has 3 children, 8 grandchildren and is full of life. Lance, who has a funny comeback for everything, continues to help the less fortunate. His wonderful personality and constant wit are contagious. Have you ever met someone that you immediately knew would make you a better person for knowing them? Lance Sims is just that person.