Billy Sims' lifelong sports card collection remembered by family

A lifelong collector remembered through his cards and memorabilia

When Donald “Billy” Anthony Sims II died unexpectedly in August at age 60, family and friends remembered much more than his military service and devotion to those around him. He was also an avid sports card and memorabilia collector whose passion followed him from childhood in Pittsburgh through his years in the Army and into retirement.

Now, his niece Rachel Brossfield and nephew Tyler Griffin are helping preserve that legacy as they sort through the large collection he built over a lifetime. For them, the cards, autographs, jerseys, helmets, and signed artwork are more than collectibles. They are reminders of a man who shared his hobby generously and made it part of the family experience.

Collecting started in childhood and never stopped

Sims grew up in Pittsburgh as a fan of the Steelers and Pirates, and like many collectors, he began with cards as a kid. After high school, he joined the Army. When he later returned home and looked for his childhood collection, he found that his mother had gotten rid of it.

That loss did not end his interest in the hobby. Instead, Sims kept collecting throughout his life and remained active in the hobby until the end. According to his family, he made collecting part of his relationships with the nieces and nephews who spent time with him over the years.

Tyler Griffin said Sims took him to card shows and shops from as long as he can remember, encouraging him to enjoy the hobby the same way he did. Griffin said that influence stuck, and he is still collecting today.

Army service, family life, and a hobby that stayed constant

Sims served 20 years in the Army as a military policeman, with deployments to Germany, Kosovo, Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield, and Iraqi Freedom. After retiring from military service, he worked another 20 years as a civilian contractor for the Army at Fort Meade while living in Laurel, Maryland.

He and his wife, Kristen, had no children, so his nieces and nephews became a major part of his life. Kristen described him as someone with a great sense of humor who was easy to be around. Collecting was one of the things that helped define him, alongside his family, his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, and his interest in the traditions and history of the United States Army.

At the time of his death, Sims and his wife were preparing to move closer to family in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where he was later laid to rest with full military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

Steelers items anchor a collection built over decades

As expected for a Pittsburgh native, Sims’ collection included a strong Steelers focus. Among the items mentioned by family are a Steel Curtain signed jersey and helmet, a Jack Lambert-signed jersey, an autographed team football from the franchise’s early Super Bowl era, and an autographed Ben Roethlisberger card.

Tyler Griffin also said Sims had the chance to meet Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany through the USO while he was serving overseas. Bradshaw remained one of the many Steelers-related names connected to the collection.

Other Pittsburgh-related pieces include autographed jerseys of Pittsburgh-area natives and quarterback greats Joe Namath, Johnny Unitas, and Joe Montana, along with a batting helmet signed by Dick Groat, the Pirates star and Duke basketball standout.

Signed artwork and Hall of Fame names stand out

One of the most impressive items in the collection is a one-of-a-kind baseball artwork piece covered with signatures that Sims obtained over many years. His family said it includes around 75 autographs, many from Baseball Hall of Famers.

Among the names on the piece are Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Pee Wee Reese, Stan Musial, Frank Robinson, Carlton Fisk, and Mickey Mantle. Brossfield said Sims took the artwork to an appearance on Antiques Roadshow in 2014 and was told it had an estimated value of around $100,000. She added that he continued adding signatures after that appearance.

The collection also includes a signed artwork piece of Yankee great Joe DiMaggio.

Autographs from football legends and other sports icons

Sims’ collection extended well beyond Pittsburgh and baseball. His family said he had Heisman Trophy and Pro Football Hall of Fame helmets signed by several players, along with a Washington Redskins helmet signed by Hall of Famers and Super Bowl MVPs Doug Williams and Mark Rypien.

There is also a University of Oklahoma mini-helmet signed by Heisman winner Steve Owens and a University of Tennessee football signed by Reggie White. Griffin said Sims admired White not only for the way he played but also for the kind of person he was.

Another notable item is a Jack Nicklaus Masters flag. Griffin said Sims was not a golfer, but likely pursued the item because of Nicklaus’ significance in sports history.

Cards, autographs, and a highly organized approach

While the memorabilia pieces have already drawn attention, the card portion of the collection is still being explored. Griffin said the family has not yet gone through everything because there are so many items. He said there are numerous signed cards, including a Patrick Mahomes rookie autograph with a swatch, numbered to 50, which he believes Sims pulled from a pack. There is also a card signed by both Watt brothers.

Brossfield said Sims was highly organized with his collection. He kept charts and pictures of items, with notes and arrows identifying who had signed what. She said he would send items out to be signed and was always looking for opportunities to add to the collection, even while stationed in Germany.

That approach helped him build a collection that reflected both his personal interests and the connections he made through the hobby. His favorite shop was Sports Card Hero in Laurel, Maryland, where he spent time buying and sorting cards, talking with shop staff, and meeting other collectors. Griffin said the shop also helped Sims obtain many of his autographs over the years.

A hobby that will remain part of the family story

For Sims’ family, the collection is now part of the story they will continue to tell. His love of sports, his attention to detail, and the time he spent sharing the hobby with others left a lasting impression.

As Brossfield and Griffin continue sorting through the collection, they are uncovering more pieces that reflect a lifetime of collecting. From Steelers autographs and Hall of Fame names to signed artwork and carefully documented cards, the collection shows just how deeply sports memorabilia was woven into Sims’ life.

His family says there is still much more to discover, and the collection remains a fitting tribute to a man whose passion for the hobby never faded.