Clarence Rufus Sims

He was born in Fairhope, Alabama on July 19th, 1936. After graduating from Lamar State College of Technology in 1958 (Beaumont, Texas) with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, he went on to earn a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1959. He worked for 20 years at Texas Instruments, Inc in Dallas, Houston, and finally Austin, TX. He spent the remainder of his career as an electrical engineer at Lockheed Martin, Tellabs, and finally at CH Engineering in Austin, TX before he retired.

Clarence filled his free time during his career with years of dedicated coaching in baseball and soccer with his sons. Watching his daughter during her gymnastics events or cheerleading were a normal part of his time after work too. Nature and weather were always passions he enjoyed as well. He enjoyed walks around their property in Hutto either with his wife (Pat) or his grandchildren. In addition, with apple in hand, he would watch the sunsets or weather coming in for the evening after dinner.

He is survived by his wife (66 years of marriage) Shirley Patricia Sims (Pat), son Jeffrey Sims (wife Rhonda Sims), daughter Karen Wall (husband Ronnie Wall), and son Cliff Sims (wife Danica Sims). He is also survived by grandchildren Sharon Sims, Coby Sims, Colton Sims, Jennifer Sapio (husband Todd Sapio), Sarah Wall, and Michael Wall. Great grandchildren include Simon Sapio, Charlotte Sapio, Lilly Hawkins, and Layla Wall. Finally, he is survived by sister Mittie Still (husband Don Still).

There will be no formal funeral services. A small service to inter his ashes at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks, Pflugerville, TX will be attended by immediate family only. If desired, a memorial fund in his name may be placed with either The Nature Conservatory (www.preserve.nature.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.act.alz.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com for the Sims family.