Carl Fred Sims

Carl Fred Sims was born on May 28th, 1947 in Muskogee, OK, the son of Carl Raymond and John Ann (Gladd) Sims. He grew up with two sisters, Linda and Fran. The family relocated to California when Carl was around 8 years old, and this was where Carl called home until 2003. In March of 1969, he was enlisted in the US Army, with the 4th Infantry HQ in Ft. Ord CA. he was transferred to the US Army Reserve in August 18th, 1969.Carl started his studies as a Commercial Artist. In March of 1969,. Carl returned home and began his family, with his first wife, Paulla, and with the birth of his son, Grant and then his daughter, Shelley. He attended Trade Tech in Los Angeles, CA, he loved art in various forms from photography to drawings in pencil, oil and other mediums. He loved to photograph the trees and did woodworking as well, making birdhouses for Patti to paint. He also did metal sculpting when he had the time. Later in his career, Carl worked in the field of recovery from addiction so he could give back to others. If he encountered a homeless person, he walked up and gave them money from his pocket, again, wanting to give back. While living in California, Carl developed a lasting love of the ocean and surfing. He found such peace in the roar of the waves and the sun in his face. The past thirty years found him married to his second wife, Patti. They were happy living at the lake with their three beloved dogs. Carl never had problems telling you how he felt, but Carl never ceased being grateful for all the blessing he received daily. Carl never went past a good garage sale, he had the knack of finding the hidden treasure. Every day he woke up was a new day to try his wings and soar. He loved music and had played the guitar since his early teens, and played clear up until the time of his passing.Life wasn’t always easy for Carl. Carl loved and inspired his wife Patti through their shared recovery from addiction to their shared joy in artistic expression through painting. They loved their time together living in the forest of Cookson and he will be missed so much. Every day, Patti will treasure the life they shared together, and she is so grateful for their thirty years together. He was ornery and had a sweet side, there was always room for a quick joke . He loved his grandson, Charlie , and children Grant and Shelley. In spite of all he had left to do, and all the plans he made, Carl passed from this life on March 16th, 2023 in Tahlequah, surrounded by the family that loved him. He was 75 years old and leaves many family, friends and canine companions.

Carl is preceded in death by his grandparents, his mother and father, and cousins.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Patti Marie McRann-Sims of the home in Cookson, OK, his son Grant and his daughter, Shelley both of Riverside, CA. He also leaves his sisters, Linda Taylor and Fran Sims all of Oklahoma. He leaves his beloved grandson, Charlie Williamson of Riverside, as well as many cousins and a host of friends and loved ones, too numerous to mention.