Gary David Sims

August 19, 1952 - June 20, 2022

Funeral services for Gary Sims, 70 of Lexington, Texas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Lexington United Methodist Church in Lexington with Rev. Raegan Seaton officiating. Graveside services will follow in the I.O.O.F Cemetery in Georgetown, Texas at 2:00 p.m. Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, June 25, 2022 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. at Phillips and Luckey Funeral Home in Giddings. The family will be present for visitation Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Gary David Sims was born on August 19, 1952 in Ocilla, Georgia, the son of Ralph and Frances (Buchanan) Sims. At around the age of 6, he was baptized at the local Baptist Church after going with a neighborhood friend. Gary served in the U.S. Air Force where he helped the “God Squad” set up worship spaces for the different churches. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s in horticulture. Gary had a passion for horticulture and taught classes at the local junior college. On August 9, 1980, he was married to Becky Buchanan and they were blessed with four children. They enjoyed moving around the country where he worked for many different city’s parks and recreation departments. Gary began his career in Albany, GA where he was Parks Superintendent. They moved to Dodge City, KS where he was Director of Parks and Recreation and was in charge of the zoo, airport, civic center, and basically ran the town. From there they moved to Texas where he worked in Grand Prairie, Coppell, Lancaster, and Flower Mound where he retired as Executive Director of Community Services. He was proud that every town he served was named Tree City USA. After retiring they moved to Lexington, Texas where he wanted to start a little farm raising cows, chickens, and bees, and enjoyed working in the garden. He was known for his cooking and baking, especially his rum and Bundt cakes. Gary was skilled and had a passion working with his hands. He enjoyed crafts, making flower arrangements and wreaths for different holidays, and was a part owner of a candle shop. With many years of adventures, he was told many times he should write a book and that most people would not believe his stories unless they were there. His faith and church were also important to him. He served as a deacon at several churches he was a member of and would help at Lexington United Methodist Church with the food pantry and monthly meals. His greatest passion and love was being Grandpa. Gary passed away the morning of Monday, June 20, 2022 at his home in Lexington. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Sims, and his grandparents, Silas & Lucille Buchanan. Gary is survived by his wife, Becky Sims of Lexington; daughter, Leah & Carl Johnston of Denton; Jordan & Jennifer Sims of Georgetown, Nathan & Danielle Sims of Round Rock, and Matt & Leah Sims of Burleson; six grandchildren, Christina and CJ Johnston of Denton, Kayeliegh & Johnathan Sims of Georgetown, Eric Sims of Round Rock, and Millie Sims of Burleson; mother, Frances Sims of Georgia; four siblings, Greg & Debbie Sims of Georgia, Jeff Sims of Georgia, Denise Sims of Georgia, and Steve & Patsy Sims of Georgia. Serving as pallbearers will Jordan Sims, Nathan Sims, Matt Sims, Greg Sims, and Steve Sims. Memorials may be made to Trees for a Change at www.treesforachange.com.