Carey Ryan "Kit" Sims

Carey Ryan “Kit” Sims passed from earth on May 28, 2017 at the age of 97. He was born on October 11, 1919 in Louise, Wharton County, Texas. He was the second child and oldest son of Rosie Lena Hatchett and Charlie Clark Sims. When his older sister attempted to pronounce the new baby’s name, it sounded more like “Kit” which became his lifelong nickname. Kit grew up during the depression, working on the family farm. He also began hunting and fishing at a young age to help feed his family, which eventually included nine children. At age 17, Kit joined the Civilian Conservation Corps where he worked building fences in Livingston and Humble. He left the CCC a year later to begin working in the oil field, which would be his workplace for many years to come. Kit served in the Army during WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific and participated in combat in New Guinea, the Admiralty Islands and the Philippines for which he was awarded six Bronze Stars and a Bronze Arrowhead. He was a proud member of the American Legion Sam Houston Post 95 and was selected as their Veteran of the Year in 2011. After the war Kit worked at Texas Gulf Sulfur Company, putting in over 30 years until his retirement in 1980. Later in his life he chuckled when he told people he had been retired longer than he worked. Kit was married to Gertrude Margaret “Dollie” Galler on December 24, 1947. They had one son, Jim. After several moves with TGS, they settled in Beaumont. Kit and Dollie moved to Huntsville to be near their grandchildren in 1987. Dollie passed away in 1996 and Kit remained in their home until earlier this year. He loved to be outdoors, and always had a garden in his back yard. He put out corn for deer and squirrels and enjoyed watching them come into his yard to feed. Kit’s family was his greatest joy, especially his grandchildren Brooke and Wade and later his great grandchildren, Connor and Allie. He attended every baseball game as well as other activities the grandkids participated in, and enjoyed playing games with them and spoiling them whenever possible. He was especially proud to present both Brooke and Wade with their first cars when they turned 16. Kit was a member of First United Methodist Church of Huntsville where he served as a greeter for many years. He also enjoyed the Men’s Sunday School class thanks to his buddies Jim Willett and Mac Woodward. Kit’s family would like to extend thanks to caregiver Mary Ann Rohrbach, and especially to Pat Oliphant for her love and care, support and wisdom during the past year. Also, thank you Walker County Senior Center not only for meals, but a place where Kit could enjoy himself with others of his generation. Kit’s family continue to thank God for Bonnie Hensley, who not only worked tirelessly to keep Mr. Kit healthy and happy, but loved him like her own father and provided him a quality of life that could not have been possible otherwise. Preceding Kit in death were his parents Rosie and Charlie Sims, his wife Dollie, sister Lucille Walker and brother Melvin Sims. He is survived by his son Jimmie Ryan Sims and daughter in law Mary Ellen of Huntsville, grandson Wade Ryan Sims of Dallas, granddaughter Brooke Sims Milam of The Woodlands and her husband Michael, and great grandchildren Allie Leighton and Connor Ryan Milam. Also by sisters Aleen Dearen of Bryan, Drucilla Grottie of Cypress, Hazel Brast of Louise, and Laura Tullos of Colmesneil, as well as brothers Rex Sims of Ganado and Floyd Sims and wife Frances of Louise. Many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. Mr. Sims will lie in state at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home in Huntsville on Thursday, June 1 from 9 am – 4pm. Family visitation is scheduled that day from 4 – 7 pm. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 2 at Evergreen Memorial Park in Wharton, Texas at 11 am. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to make them to First United Methodist Church of Huntsville or the Wounded Warrior Project. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Carey Ryan "Kit" Sims

October 11, 1919 - May 28, 2017