Gary Potter Sims

He was born on October 3, 1935, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, to Q.C. Sims and Mary (Potter) Sims. His father worked in the oil fields and Gary had the unique experience of living there while growing up. He was the third of four boys. He graduated from Southeast High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1953. His family then moved to Blackwell, Oklahoma. He graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1958 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He went on to earn a master’s degree in chemistry from East Texas State University. And ultimately, his doctorate in higher education from the University of Texas.

He spent his career in education. He began his career in teaching and worked his way up to administration. In 1974, he became the president of New Mexico State University in Carlsbad, New Mexico. From 1978-1984, he was the president at North Florida Junior College in Madison, Florida. He then transferred to Palm Beach Junior College, in Belle Glade, Florida, and worked there from 1984-1986. He lived in many different locations throughout his career.

He was an active member of the United Methodist Church, as well as, many civic organizations throughout the years. He exemplified an outstanding work ethic and rarely ever missed a day of work in his life. He enjoyed taking care of himself and had excellent health. He loved his family. At 90, he was still giving to his grandchildren and always interested in their educational plans. He loved bird hunting and shooting targets, a lifetime of golfing, camping, traveling, swimming, ballroom dancing and the stock market. He passed so many wonderful qualities down to his children including his work ethic, his generous heart, willingness to help others, and the importance of education.

He met Marilyn Leone Doornbos while attending Montana State University and they married on August 2, 1961.

He is survived by his brother, Terry Lee and wife, Kathy Sims, of Blanchard, Oklahoma: three children, Susie Orsenigo (Norman, Oklahoma), Sharon Baird, (Orange, Texas) and Steve Sims, (Farmer’s Branch, Texas) : eight grandchildren; Derek and wife, Lauren (Mills) Orsenigo, Cindy Orsenigo, Mandy McGowan, Sam and wife, Megan (Sherley) Baird, Bekah Sims, Levi Sims, Ezra Sims and Moses Sims: and three great grandchildren; Lanie Orsenigo, Reese Orsenigo, and Hunter Lee Baird.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Q.C. and Mary P. Sims, and his two brothers John William Sims and James Max Sims.

The service is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Baggerly Funeral Home, 930 S. Broadway, Edmond, Oklahoma, with burial to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery, 1407 North Boulevard, Edmond, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Diabetes Association.