Gary L. Sims

Gary L. “Pop” Sims, 73, of Columbus, Ohio peacefully transitioned from his earthly vessel on Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at his home with his devoted wife by his side. Gary fought fiercely and bravely through illness to spend more days with his family; however, his heartbroken family is comforted knowing he is free of pain. Born on August 14, 1946 to Marion C. Sims and Jeanette “Cookie” (Martin) Sims-Allen in Springfield, Ohio. After graduating from Springfield North High School, Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his service, he was an airplane mechanic that traveled the world to ensure flying fleets were safe for flight. After his last tour, Gary returned to civilian service and was a longtime employee of Western Electric in Columbus from where he also retired. Not one to be idle, Gary jumped back into the workforce with his longtime friend Robert Dalton’s Delightful Delights vending and catering. He traversed the city daily while working for Bob which was perfect for Gary’s outgoing personality and ability to make friends at first conversation. In 1967, Gary married his childhood sweetheart Cecelia . The couple welcomed their first child, a son, Gary Christopher in 1969. Their daughter Dana was born four years later. Gary was affectionately called “Pop” by his children as later his grandchildren. In fact, even strangers would call him Pop as he donned his cherished “Pop” hat everywhere. Gary was an expertly skilled and well-known avid bowler across Columbus leagues. He was introduced to the sport by his father-in-law in 1969 and never looked back. He coached youth bowling leagues in the 1970s and 1980s. Known by the nickname “Dr G” (engraved in bowling balls, embroidered on apparel, for over 40 years he could be found bowling in upwards of four leagues per week with his teams consisting of coworkers and friends. Gary was rarely without his “300” perfect game ring which he first earned in 1992. Gary was quoted in a story covering his career-high set achievement in The Ohio Bowler, “My son said this would be my year for 300s,”. Of course, he did it again. And again. He competed in tournaments across the country through 2017. Gary is survived by his wife, Cecelia; two children, Gary Christopher (Dawn) Sims of Athens, OH and Dana (Mark Wilder) Sims; 6 grandchildren; sister, Gail (William) Gaskins of Atlanta, GA; sister-in-law, Barbara Sims of Springfield, OH; brother-in-law, Herb Johnson of San Antonio, TX; special cousin, Barbara Henry of Springfield, OH; mother-in-law, Ida Sutton of Columbus, OH; and other relatives and close family friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Annette Johnson; brother, Larry Sims.