Roy Dale Sims of West Plains, Missouri was born May 29, 1958, in Hayti, Missouri to Roy Thomas Sims and Lillian Savage Sims. He departed this life January 26, 2026, in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 67 years. Roy was united in marriage to Michelle Ward September 15, 2007.
He is survived by his wife Michelle of 18 years; four children and five bonus children Benjamin (Robyn) Sims, Anita (Ryan) Dickson, Pamela (Cody) Garner, Thomas Sims, Brett (Kimberly) Wilcox, Amber (Danny) Gibson, Blaire and Logan, Damon Bowling, and Jessica Rudd; twenty-one grandchildren Dylan and Sydney Sims, Michael (Megan) James, Emma James, Morgan (Darius) Parks, Colten (Hannah) Garner, Austin Garner, Haley, Alena, Keyton, Tommy and Allison Sims, Connor, Wednesday and Ellanor Wilcox, Adalyn and Gracelyn Gibson, Alexis and MacKenzie Bowling, Samantha (Zach) Roller, and Maddison (Alec) Shrable; six great grandchildren Charlotte and Ella James, Kamari Morgan, Kaiden Martin, Dean Roller, and Braylee Shrable; four sisters Gletta Clark, Hope (Danny) Seibert, Pamela (Darrell) Wade, Angela Godwin, Father-in-law Bobby Ward, two brothers-in-law Clint Ward, and Jimmy (Ashley) Ward.
He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lillian Sims, mother-in-law Shirley Ward, one infant sister, two brothers-in-law Ron Clark and Brent Godwin, and one granddaughter Lillian Grace Sims.
Today we say goodbye to a man who didn’t just live in our community, but helped build it, protect it, and believed in it with his whole heart.
Roy Sims dedicated his life to service. During his years in the fire service, he not only answered the call when his neighbors were in need but also carried a deep passion for helping others and keeping his community safe. Even after retiring from the West Plains Fire Department as Fire Chief, that commitment never slowed.
When Roy purchased Cover Lumber Co. in 2023, he continued serving in the way only he could. He provided more than lumber and supplies; he offered wisdom, encouragement, and a steady presence. He was someone you could count on, a familiar face, a trusted voice, and a man who genuinely cared about the people he served.
Roy believed in putting people first. He loved this community fiercely and worked tirelessly to make it stronger, safer, and better for future generations. His leadership, persistence, and quiet strength left an imprint that will not fade.
If you ever shook his hand, worked alongside him, or simply crossed paths with him, you felt it. Roy cared, and he proved it through his actions every single day.
Roy was a faithful member of the United Freewill Baptist Church of West Plains where he exemplified the church values to “Love God, Love People, Serve God, Serve People”.
Our community has lost a true pillar, but Roy Sims’ legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the places he helped build, and the community he gave so much of himself to.
Rest easy, papa Roy and thank you for everything.
Memorial donations can be made to the
Untied Free Will Baptist Church
Attention Building Fund
607 Lanton Rd, West Plains, MO 65775
or left with the funeral home
Officiating will be Brother Dennis McGinley and pallbearers will be Tim Bean, Kurt Willbanks, Raymond Blake, Dylan Sims, Michael James, Austin Garner, and Keyton Sims. Graveside officiating will be Brother Jason Jackson.
A Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at the Thayer High School Gymnasium of Thayer, Missouri. Burial will be Saturday. January 31, 2026, at the Eagles Rest Cemetery of Arkansas.
GPS address of cemetery is : 1445 AR -175, Hardy, AR, 72542 per FIND A GRAVE ~ It is next to the Christian Tabernacle Church of Hardy.
Arrangements under the care of Carter Funeral Home Inc. – Thayer, Mo
January 27, 2026 @ 5:00 pm
So sorry for your loss. Roy was a man with a true servants heart. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family.
January 28, 2026 @ 7:58 am
Sorry for your loss. Will be praying for family. Arlie & Dawn Choate friend & customer.
January 28, 2026 @ 11:36 pm
Roy, was a Great Man. He had just worked on our ceiling recently. He was always kind and helpful. I first remember him from riding the school bus with Him and Angie. Dennis and I Both send heartfelt Prayers to Angie and all of Roy’s Family and Friends. Keep the Precious Memories Close now and always. Love and Prayers to All
January 28, 2026 @ 11:42 pm
Roy, was a Great Man. He had just worked on our ceiling recently. He was always kind and helpful. I first remember him from riding the school bus with Him and Angie. Dennis and I Both send out our Love, Prayers and Deepest Sympathy to Angie and All of Roy’s Family and Friends.🙏❤️🙏
January 29, 2026 @ 9:44 am
Michelle, your entire family are in my prayers so sorry for your loss🙏 ❤️
January 29, 2026 @ 4:39 pm
My prayers are with you, Michelle and family. I sure love that guy. He was more than a cousin to me. He was a brother.
Rest in peace, Roy we’ll join you soon
Your double cousin and sister Teresa White
I will miss you so bad!!😭😭🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
January 29, 2026 @ 5:33 pm
Michelle,
I am so sorry for your loss of Roy. Roy was a true friend who was always there when needed. I have so many wonderful memories of times together. Roy was a brother firefighter – dependable, prepared, kind and caring, and respected by all. His friendship made a difference in my life. Prayers for you and the family.
January 30, 2026 @ 9:40 am
Michelle, we are so sorry for your loss. What a kind, sincere Christian man! Thoughts and prayers for you and all the family now and in future days.
Earnie and Ann Owen
January 30, 2026 @ 11:00 am
Michelle and Sims Families, We extend our Deepest Sympathy to each of you on the passing of Roy. We are so very sorry. Roy was a wonderful Christian man who respected all individuals that he came in contact with on a daily basis by showing his love, concern, and support too. Also, he shined his Light by smiling and having a wonderful sense of humor too. He did care about the communities that he served and did his best to move them forward thru individuals he dealt with on a daily basis. He will be missed! We will be keeping each of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God provide peace, comfort, encouragement, and strength to each of you. May God bless all of you. In Christian Love, Tim, Amber, and Corby Redburn
January 31, 2026 @ 2:01 am
I am so sorry for your loss Michelle and his families. I am really sad to hear of this. He was such a nice person.