Howard Wayne Sims

Howard Wayne Sims passed away peacefully in Hope, Arkansas, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, music, and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He will be remembered most for the joy he brought to others, his many talents, and the meaningful connections he made throughout his life. He was a devoted father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Howard was born to Barbara Joyce Stout Newton and Gerald Henry Sims, February 17, 1952, in Shreveport, LA.

Howard received his early education in White Hall, Arkansas, and later attended schools in Star City and Pine Bluff. He graduated from Watson Chapel High School in 1970 and continued his education at Pines Vo-Tech School in Pine Bluff, earning a certification in refrigeration.

His career began at Central Moloney in Pine Bluff, but he spent most of his working life with Arkla Gas, which later became CenterPoint Energy and then Summit Utilities. After retiring, Howard continued serving his state by working as an inspector for the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, a role that brought him and his wife, Norma, to Hope, Arkansas.

Howard was of the Presbyterian faith and spent over 20 years as a member of Bethany Missionary Baptist Church in White Hall. In his younger years, he was a talented athlete, playing football and running track for several area schools. His love for sports carried into his adult life through hunting, fishing, and racing dirt bikes in the Jefferson County rocket runs and turkey runs. He was a proud member of the Delight Hunting Club, where he enjoyed many seasons of friendship and deer hunting. Howard also competed in numerous bass fishing tournaments and was a longtime member of the White Hall Bass Club. His love for fishing continued throughout his life, particularly at Dierks Lake, Bois D’Arc Lake, and various local ponds.

Howard deeply loved his family and cherished time spent on the water. His daughters fondly remember being pulled on water tubes across Arkansas rivers and lakes, holding on tight as he sped across the open water. He passed on his love for the outdoors to his children and grandchildren, sharing countless summers at the lake and vacations to beaches in Florida and Alabama.

Music was a core part of Howard’s life. Gifted and self-taught, he played guitar, drums, and keyboard by ear, filling his home and heart with the sounds of southern rock and country. Whether performing in the “City Limits Band” with family and friends or serving as a drummer for the worship band at First Presbyterian Church in Pine Bluff, music was one of his purest joys. His shop was always alive with melody, and he eagerly shared his talent with his children and grandchildren, often turning it into a family version of “Name That Tune.”

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Norma, and his three daughters and their families. Daughter, Traci Sims Baugh (Clay) of Bryant, AR. Daughter, Stephanie Griffin of Heber Springs, AR. Daughter, Bobbie Caubble (Jeff), of Heber Springs, AR. Grandchildren: Layton Charles (19), Laci DeAnna (18), Abigail Joyce (17), Leah Adelle (16), Ella Leigh (14), Lucille “Luci” Louise (13), Anabelle Joann (12), Lillian Pearl (12), Alexander “Alex” Howard (8), Lilah Marie (8). He is also survived by his sister, Cindy Newton Henderson, and her husband, Billy Henderson, of Rison, Arkansas. From Cindy, he had one niece (Lily Henderson) and one great niece (Zoey). Howard is also remembered with love by many more extended family members, close friends, and all those whose lives he touched.

Howard was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara Joyce Stout Newton; his father, Gerald Henry Sims; and his stepfather, Kenneth Newton.

A memorial service, with friends and family to celebrate the life of Howard Wayne, will be held at a later date.

Howard Wayne Sims was a kind, talented, and generous man who never met a stranger. His legacy of love, music, laughter, and outdoor adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed until we meet him again.