Samuel D. Sims' Obituary
Obituary of Samuel D. Sims Please share a memory of Samuel to include in a keepsake book for family and friends. View Tribute Book Samuel D. Sims was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 14, 2025, in Pearland, Texas, at the age of 88. Born on November 8, 1936, in Waco, Texas, Sam was the son of Samuel Arthur Sims and Johnnie B. (Lackey) Sims, and the middle child of five siblings.At the age of five, Sam and his siblings moved to Buckner Children’s Home in Mesquite, Texas. Affectionately known as “Sammy,” he was known for his mischievous spirit—often recalled in the story of him dipping the girls’ pigtails in ink wells—but it was there he also developed a deep foundation in faith, discipline, hard work, and education.After graduating from Buckner High School in 1955, Sam stepped into adulthood with a $100 bill, a new suit, and a bus ticket to Houston to begin work driving rivets at a cotton gin. Realizing his ambitions stretched beyond that, Sam set his sights on college. He enrolled at the University of Texas, working odd jobs and even living on a boarding house porch to make ends meet. With determination and perseverance, he earned a degree in accounting—Hook ’em Horns!—and soon after, reported for duty in the United States Army.Sammy married Naomi Ruth Sims in 1957 and raised four children in Spring Valley, where he served as a city council member 1982-1985. Sam had a long and successful career in the oil and gas industry, ultimately retiring from British Petroleum.In 1985, he met the love of his life, Judy Earney, at Tallowood Baptist Church. The couple married in 1988 and began their adventure together in Anchorage, Alaska. Whether cross-country skiing, hiking, or biking, Sam reveled in the beauty and spirit of the outdoors. Though their path later led them to Ohio, Plano, and finally back “home” to Texas, although Alaska always held a special place in Sam’s heart.For the past 23 years, Sam and Judy have been part of the vibrant and close-knit Country Place community in Pearland, TX. There, Sam stayed young at heart—playing tennis, battling squirrels, running on the treadmill, dancing at community events, fishing with his grandchildren, driving in the golf cart parades, and cherishing deep friendships. A devoted member of Southview Baptist Church, he remained committed to his faith, studying the Bible throughout his life. Previously, Sam taught Sunday School, led mission trips to Big Bend with high school students, and volunteered with the American Chinese Fellowship, where he taught Bible study and traveled to China to teach English.Sam’s greatest joy was his family. He was a loving husband, proud father, and adoring grandfather who could often be found playing UNO or “Chase Your Neighbor” around the kitchen table. His bright smile, striking blue eyes, and signature “Bop” on the dance floor will forever be remembered.He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Judy (Earney) Sims; children: Suzy Sylvester, Greg Sims (Ann), Nathan Sims, Brandon Sims, and Trisha Prestigiacomo (John); grandchildren: Tyler Sims, Ethan Sims (Megan), Eric Sims (Samantha), Erin Jalilian (Farhang), Ryan Sylvester (Wren), Grace Sims, Finn Sims, Sydnee Jensen, and Andrew Jensen; great-grandchild: Farrah Jalilian, and his special sister-in-law Suzanne Sims; and countless dear friends.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s memory to the National MPS Society at www.mpssociety.org.Sam’s life was a testimony of faith, resilience, and joy. His legacy of love and service lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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