Richard Boyd Sims, Sr., 83, of Hereford, Texas went to be with his Lord on Friday, December 31, 2021, in Hereford, Texas. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 7, 2022, at Avenue Baptist Church at 2:30 P.M. with Pastor Ellis Parson officiating, burial to follow at West Park Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Mendez and Mullins Family Funeral Home of Hereford, Texas. Viewing will be Thursday, January 6, 2022, from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Richard was born on October 31, 1938, in Hereford, Texas to Lester Wilson and Lola Mae (Cox) Sims. He graduated from Hereford High School in 1958, and a month later, married the love of his life, Virginia Ruth Estep. Richard was working on Pat Schlabs' farm at that time, so Ruth happily began her new life as a farmer's wife. Before long, Richard and Ruth were able to rent a couple of farms, and eventually were able to buy some land of their own. Richard loved farming, and it provided him a lifetime of enjoyment working the land and watching his crops and family grow. He loved to take his family out on grand adventures anytime the rain or snow wouldn't allow him to get in the fields. These mini-vacations included jeeping and riding trail bikes at Red River or the Canadian River, flying down snow-covered mountains in Colorado on truck and tractor inner tubes, going to motorcycle races, fresh-water or deep sea fishing, or just sight-seeing in the mountains or along the Gulf Coast. More often than not, these trips included neighbors, friends, cousins... the more the merrier! Richard bought a cabover camper in the 60's so that the family could get off the beaten path and enjoy all the beauty that this country has to offer. He was a good provider for his family and gave his kids a childhood to remember. Along with farming and loving his wife and kids, he dearly loved music! Every road trip included a huge assortment of music. Every tractor and combine had a tape player. In the 80's, Richard and Ruth discovered some local bluegrass bands, and this opened a new exciting chapter in their lives. With their two older kids grown and a new toddler in their lives, they traded their old camper for a Winnebago, and traveled the tri-state area almost every weekend enjoying bluegrass pickins' and meeting fellow music lovers that would soon become life-long friends. Richard filmed thousands of hours of music at events near and far. He loved making dvd's to share with family and friends. Richard and Ruth were both known for their kindness and generosity. They opened their home numerous times over the years to people in need. If Richard saw anyone stranded on the side of the road or in need of assistance, he always stopped and made sure they got where they were going. After a bit of engaging conversation, and a hot meal, he had usually made a new friend in the process. He was naturally curious about everything and truly enjoyed getting to know people. Richard was an avid hunter in his youth, but as he aged, his weapon of choice became a Canon camera. If he saw a bird nest in his path while plowing a field, he'd climb down from his tractor to move it out of harm's way. He also became a hopeless romantic in his later years. Ruth told him that when she was a little girl she had always dreamed of having a house with lilacs by her bedroom window. Richard grabbed his shovel and transplanted some lilacs right outside their bedroom window. Every year he picked fresh lilacs for her when they began to bloom. On more than one occasion when Ruth would be out of town for a few days, she would return to find yellow ribbons tied around the trees in the driveway. He often picked wildflowers and brought them to her in an old Coke can. She enjoyed those gifts of love more than any gift money could buy. Richard and Ruth were able to enjoy 63 years together before her untimely passing in 2020. One of his greatest joys in recent years was watching his wife and granddaughter laugh and play dolls together. Richard remained a hard worker to the end and worked on his farm until his last day. He helped with the harvest of milo and corn through early December and had already plowed his land in preparation for the coming season. When God thought of a farmer, he created Richard.

Those left behind to cherish his memories are his three children, Richard Boyd Sims, Jr. and his wife Melody, Donna Ruth (Sims) Munoz, and Johnnie Wilson Sims all of Hereford; two brothers, David Sims and his wife Mary of Sunray, and LL Sims of Glenwood, Arkansas; a sister Juanita Estep of Panhandle; three grandchildren, Bobby Boyd Sims and his wife Jodi of Hereford, Steven Lester Sims and his wife Beth of Abilene, and Avery Elliot Sims of Hereford; seven great-grandchildren, Baylor, Ryan, Tatum, Harmon, Wyatt, Ace, and Charlotte Sims; also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Richard is rejoicing in paradise with his beloved wife Virginia Ruth, their wonderful parents, and his sister Florene. An entire entourage is now acquainting him with the ultimate in musical delight including Frank Bonner, Eudell Gifford, Mike, Red, Fran, Bill, Norma, Stanley and Reno, among many, many, many others.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.mendezandmullins.com