Richard "Pete" Ray Sims

Richard “Pete” Ray Sims of Litchfield Park, Arizona passed away on January 15, 2024 in Surprise, Arizona at the age of 78. Pete was born on July 19, 1945 in Tampa, Florida, the son of Leon and Mae Chastain Sims. Since 1983, Pete has called Arizona home. He spent most of his adult life as an Aircraft Mechanic in the U.S. Air Force and a Quality Assurance Inspector in the commercial airline industry. Pete will be missed by all of his family and friends.

Pete graduated from John B. Gordon High School, Class of 1963. He received his Bachelor of Science – Professional Aeronautical Degree from Embry Riddle University, Class of 1986. Pete served 24 years in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant (CMSGT) in 1988. As a Vietnam Veteran, Pete received multiple decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Force Achievement Medal. After retiring from the U.S. Air Force, Pete then worked 21 years in the commercial airlines industry as a Quality Assurance Inspector, retiring in 2009. Pete was the recipient of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award in 2014 from the FAA for furthering the cause of aviation safety.

Pete enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and racquetball. He also enjoyed scorpion hunting with his grandchildren at “Camp NanaPapa”, cheering them on at their sporting events, and waking them up with the water spray bottle (as they requested).

Pete was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Mae Chastain Sims; and his sister, Joyce Charlton. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years Marlene Sims; their three children Michelle (Eric) Major, Stephanie (Curtis) Parsons, and Gregory (Stacy) Sims all from Arizona; and his sister Kay Patrick of Georgia. Pete was blessed to be “Papa” to seven grandchildren and two bonus grandchildren, Taylor (Parsons) France and husband Joshua France of Arizona, Brennan Sims of Arizona, Kaela Sims and partner Morgan Snyder of Florida, Dillon Parsons, Brooke Major, Jordan Parsons, and Jessica Parsons all from Arizona. Pete’s grandchildren have always made him proud. He was “Papa Pete” to his great grandson, Ethan Sims of Florida, who always made him smile. And we can’t forget how much he loved Chloe, his favorite four legged family member! Pete also “adopted” many friends of his kids and grandkids - he happily called them family and loved them each very much. He was a good friend to many.

Pete’s family would like to thank the Abrazo West Hospital ER and ICU staffs for their kindness and care of Pete. As well as the Hospice of the Valley staff and chaplain for their compassionate care for Pete and his family.

Pete’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:30am at Phoenix Memorial Park & Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85027. Followed by Military Honors Interment at 1:30pm at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024. To send expressions of sympathy to Pete’s family, or to upload a photograph, or share a fond memory with the Sims family please visit www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Pete’s honor to a charity of your choice or to Pete’s favorite charity, the Fighter Country Foundation, www.fightercountry.org, a 501c(3) charity benefitting Military members and families at Luke AFB.