Raymond Dean Sims was born February 26, 1932 in Bussey, Iowa the son of George and Pearl (Glenn) Sims.

Dean was raised in Bussey and graduated from Bussey High in 1950. His working career included 35 years at Eagle Iron Works and 8 years at Van Gorp Corporation. On August 4, 1961 Dean was united in marriage to B. Sue Kindley in Tuscumbia, Missouri. It was truly love at first sight for Dean and Sue they married one month after meeting, and had nearly 65 wonderful years together.

In his spare time, Dean enjoyed dancing and was nick named “Twinkle Toes”. He also liked to hunt and fish. Dean was an extremely hard worker and loved to help friends during his time off. He was known as a talented carpenter that could do everything, from hanging a picture to building a house. Dean’s pride and joy was his family, and he cherished his wife, children and great-grandchildren.

Dean passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026 at Accura of Knoxville at the age of 94 years.

In addition to his parents, Dean was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Sims; sister, Georgia Stansberry and brother, George “Jr” Sims.

Those left to honor Dean’s memory include his wife, Sue; children, grandchildren:

Deanna Jacobsen

Eric (Juli) Francis

Chad Francis

Larae (Jeromey) Middlesworth

Gail Sims family

Holly (Bryan) Love

Kate (Scott) Proctor

Raymond (Tonya) Fletcher

John (Debra) Sims

Nate (Stephanie) Sims

Ethan (Meghan) Sims

Rob (Wendy) Sims

Ryan (Shannon) Sims

Cory (Dana) Sims

Megan (Aaron) Gernetzke

Cindy (Rodney) Hickman

Riley (Brittany) Hickman

26 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.