Funeral set for Marion County soldier killed by IED in Afghanistan

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Marion County soldier killed in an improvised explosive device explosion while on patrol in Afghanistan will be laid to rest over the weekend.

Pfc. Markie Sims, 20, left for Afghanistan three months ago, but on Saturday, two army officers arrived at the family home. When his mother Wanda saw their uniforms, she knew the son she called “Scooter” was gone.

Sims was a newlywed, and his wife was expecting the couple's first child, a son, in April.  He told her he’d be home in April after getting special permission to come home for the birth of their son, but he was killed before that could happen.

“I don't' think he'd want his momma to drop her head or me to drop my head,” said Sims’ father, Henry Sims. “We know baby's on the way, so we know life goes on. He's definitely going to be named Scooter.”

The Army said Sims was killed by an IED that exploded underneath the vehicle Sims and three other soldiers were riding in. Sims knew the danger, but always told his mom not to worry.

“He used to tell me all the time, ‘Mama, don't worry. I'm going to be alright. Whatever happens over there, whatever happens is going to happen. Stop worrying about me.’ That's what he told me,” said Wanda Sims.

Sims’ funeral is set for Saturday at the family's church. He will be buried with full military honors.

WFTV learned Sims has an older brother serving in the military. And despite the family’s loss, Sims’ younger brother will be joining the Army this year.

WFTV