Ray Benjamin Sims

Ray Sims, a devoted husband, father, brother, friend, and man of faith was welcomed into heaven on August 30, 2024. Ray was born May 18, 1954 to Lucius and Ella Mae Sims in East Chicago Indiana and was baptized in the Baptist church and accepted Jesus as his savior. Here he grew up and graduated from Roosevelt high school. He then attended Marion College and graduated with a degree in education. He then began his first teaching position at Francis Slocum Elementary as the Physical Education teacher. Here he met his beloved wife Victoria Sims with whom he had two wonderful sons, Ryan and Jonathan. From there he then transitioned into teaching and coaching boys basketball in Marion, Indiana. His pursuit of basketball took him to Wabash, Anderson, and finally Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne became his permanent home for him and his beautiful family for 27 years. Here Ray held a prestigious and long- standing career coaching Snider High School’s basketball team. It was his greatest privilege to coach both his sons during his career. As a beloved teacher and basketball coach in all of his many places, a role in which he was not only a mentor but also a source of inspiration, he has stayed close with countless people and formed many friendships that have lasted to this day. His influence and warmth extended far beyond the classroom and the basketball court. Whether at school, in town, or just out and about, Ray’s infectious personality and genuine kindness meant that he was frequently greeted by friends and former students who admired and loved him.

Coach Sims retired from coaching in 2009 and retired from teaching after 40 years.

During his life, Coach Sims faced numerous health challenges with remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming each obstacle with unwavering strength and grace.

He is survived by his beloved wife Victoria and his two wonderful sons- Ryan and his wife Shea, and Jonathan and his wife Stephanie. Ray’s joy in life extended to his role as a grandfather to Bishop and Miloh Sims, with whom he shared countless special moments. He also is survived by siblings Georgia, Patricia, Jennifer, and Jeffery all who reside in East Chicago, Indiana. Ray also is the sibling of two other brothers who have preceded him in death, Kaiser Body Sr. and Lucius Sims Jr. Also preceding him in death are three nephews Oscar, Kaiser Jr, and Terrence Body. His surviving extended family on the Sims side include: two nieces Jenny (husband Johny) Alford and Chloe (husband Damon) Cross, one nephew Cameron Howell, and seven great nephews Jamere Alford, Jeremiah Alford, Josiah Alford, Damon Cross, David Cross, Tyler Body, and Terrence Jr. Body, and one niece in law Takisha Body. His surviving extended family on the Shearer side include two brothers-in-law Gary (wife Laura) Shearer and Steve ( wife Ginger) Shearer and 4 nieces and nephews; Parker, Amanda, Colton, and Madison Shearer.

His family was the center of his world, and his love for them was evident in everything he did.

Ray’s passing leaves a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the entire Fort Wayne community.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at Pathway Community Church on Carroll Rd where friends and family are invited to honor his memory and share their stories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to his wife, Victoria Sims in Ray’s honor. There will be a foundation selected by the family to continue Ray's Legacy.

Ray Sims will be remembered for his unwavering love, his vibrant spirit, and the profound impact he had on everyone who knew him.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.