Richard J. Sims, Sr.

Richard J. Sims, Sr., 83, of Amarillo, passed away on Wednesday March 31, 2021. Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Saturday April 3, 2021 at Memory Gardens Cemetery, with Billy Sims officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Friday April 2, 2021 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive. Richard was born October 29, 1937 in Pleasant Valley, Potter County, Texas to O.L. “Jack” and Ella Sims. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He married the love of his life, Priscilla Grisce on March 19, 1959. They shared 52 years of marriage until her death in 2011.

Richard had many trades throughout his life. He owned and operated a framing shop and art gallery. He traded at flea markets, farmed, sold satellites and wind generators, and was a horse trader. To Richard, life was best lived on the back of a horse with his family by his side. His family remembers that when the workday was done, he was ready and available to go riding with his kids. He treated his kids’ friends like his own, and they loved hanging out with him too. Richard was a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend. He loved God and life itself. In his spare time, he enjoyed scuba diving, boating, water skiing, snow skiing, fishing, and family cookouts. He was also a talented painter. He was a member of Rolling Hills Riding Club. He attended Canyon Country Church before moving to the VA Nursing Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Priscilla Sims; a son, Glen Allen Sims; two brothers, Jack Sims, Jr. and Ray Sims; a sister, JoAnn Abbott; and a grandson, Stephen Sims; one great-grandson Jordan Sims.

Survivors include two children, VeAnn Banks and husband Rock of Amarillo, Richard Sims, Jr. and wife Rowena of Amarillo; two brothers, Billy Sims and Jay Sims; a sister, Ginger Sims; four grandchildren, Rock Banks, Jr., Brittney Banks, Jessica Anzaldua and husband Michael, and Jacob Sims; and seven great-grandchildren, Madison, Brennen, Braxton, Caeden, Chase, Zoey, and Zola.