Steven Sims

ARTESIA, N.M. — Steven Gary Sims, 68, formerly of Soddy-Daisy, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2019, in Dunlap, Tenn. Gary was a graduate of Soddy-Daisy High School (1969) and the University of the South (1973), Sewanee, Tenn. He was CEO of J. S. Ward and Son Insurance Company of Artesia, New Mexico. He was of the Presbyterian faith. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Lillian Hensley Sims, brothers Sammy and Lamar and sister Agnes Sims. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Sara and daughters Anna (Josh) Whitmire and Abbie (Tye) Byers; grandchildren, Jack, Beau, and Taylor Byers, Saydie Butler and Jett and Jenna Whitmire, all of Artesia, N.M.; brothers, Marlin and Joe (Linda) Sims, of Soddy-Daisy and Ed Sims, of Dunlap, Tenn.; sisters, Mildred Barker, Faye Tryon, Catherine Heard and Nancy (Charles) Vandergriff, all of Dunlap, Tenn., and Patricia (Ray) Phillips, of Hixson, Tenn.; several nieces and nephews. Gary was a loving son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. He will be solely missed. In accordance to his wishes, he was cremated. Memorial services will be held in Artesia, New Mexico on Thursday, April 18, 2019. A later memorial service for Gary will be held in the fall at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN. Condolences can be sent to Gary's family at 101 South Fourth Street, Artesia, NM 88210.