Lloyd R. Sims

Lloyd Sims, Father, Brother, Uncle, Race Car Driver, and Friend departed this earth to join loved ones in Heaven on Tuesday April 2, 2019 after a brief, but valiant fight with cancer. Born September 16, 1949 in Guion, Arkansas to Cleo and Ina Sims, the family moved to the Greater Wenatchee area around 1950, eventually settling in Monitor, WA. Lloyd graduated from Cashmere High School and shortly after was drafted to serve in The United States Army during the Vietnam War. Lloyd served from 1969 to 1971 and was known for his natural ability to work on cars. Lloyd quickly put his mechanical talents to work fixing anything with an engine. Upon discharge from the Army Lloyd moved back to his family home in Monitor, WA. His first purchase was a 1971 “Plum Crazy Purple” Dodge Charger, followed by a new bicycle for his little brother Chris. Shortly upon return from Vietnam Lloyd met and married Christine Winn and the couple settled in Lloyd's home town of Monitor and raised three boys, Mikie, Josh, and the youngest Jeff who Lloyd also called, "My little buddy.” During this time Lloyd worked at Alcoa and worked there for 33 years until his retirement in 2001. When not working the Sims', family had adventurous fun snowmobiling, camping, and mostly racing cars at the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval. Lloyd's favorite race car was a 68 Chevelle and he competed in the Thunder class from 1979 to 2017. His cars were always painted red with big white #7's on the doors and hood and as Lloyd's oldest son Mikie also inherited the passion for racing, later Lloyd would add "Follow me Mikie" painted right above the rear bumper. The Lloyd- Mikie rivalry races were huge entertainment to the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval fan base, and Josh would also follow in their tire tracks to race as well. Like the Western shows Lloyd loved to watch on TV Lloyd had a core group of the most genuine, fun, and loyal friends and although they all had a fair share of "outlaw” in them they always ended up being the "good guys" at the end of their numerous adventures. A competitive group each winter they would try to outdo each other with the latest, greatest snowmobile; that, upon buying brand new they would immediately tear apart and rebuild to be able to outclimb and outrace each other. Lloyd also loved to garden and every year him and Jeff would drive to neighbors and friends to share what he had grown, and while doing so always taking the time to visit. When Lloyd's wife Christine passed away at an early age he never faltered in continuing to raise his son's. One of Lloyd's best friends throughout the years was Cathy Andruss. Having so much in common their friendship bloomed into love and they grew their own special relationship and life together. As Lloyd battled his recent illness that was insurmountable even to him, Cathy, along with the family, stayed by his side day and night throughout the pain and difficulties. Lloyd's life was full of fast cars, good times, great friends, dear family and he was known for having a unique, mischievous, laugh that was always coupled with a quick wit. Lloyd was more than the family leader, he was our hero, and one of the most beloved people in our World. He was the center of the spoke that brought 6 siblings and their numerous offspring together every Christmas and his eyes literally twinkled with joy throughout the years as new nieces and nephews were introduced. Lloyd liked to test his luck at Mill Bay Casino and he loved to play games with family and friends. Our favorite game with Lloyd was "31", not only because you could win money, but more so for the chance to get to match wits and out strategizing the master Lloyd. Lloyd you lived life full throttle and it will never be the same without you. You know rubbing is racing and although you did not get a chance to get back on the track after the last yellow flag was waved please know your family, friends, and fan stand and applaud and in your own words say, “Na, Na, Na, Na.... Na, Na, Na, Na....Hey! Hey! Hey! Goodbye” Lloyd is survived by three sons, Mikie (Kelly) Sims, East Wenatchee; Josh (Alesha) Sims, Sunnyslope; and Jeff Sims, Monitor. Lloyd is also survived by four sisters, Mary Lou Sutton, Elma; Geneva (Richard) Martin, Wenatchee; Louise (Doug) Eisenrich, Monitor; and Ada (Dan) Hutchinson, Sunnyslope. Lloyd is survived by one brother, Chris (Shannon) Sims, Cashmere; a grandson Dale, and granddaughter Makayla; as well as numerous nieces, and nephews. Lloyd is preceded in death by his parents Cleo and Ina Sims, wife Christine Sims, and Nephew Derrick. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, April 20 at noon at Cashmere City Cemetery, 104 Evergreen Drive, Cashmere, WA. The family invites you for a potluck remembrance immediately following at the home of Doug and Louise Eisenrich at 3554 Bridge St in Monitor, WA.

Tributes

Lloyd R. Sims

September 16, 1949 - April 2, 2019