Glenn Sims Obituary

Glenn Edwin Sims

January 26, 1929 -

July 14, 2025

KINGSPORT - Glenn Edwin Sims, 96, of Kingsport, Tennessee, completed his earthly journey on July 14, 2025.

Born on January 26, 1929, in Detroit, Michigan, Glenn spent his early childhood in the mountains of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, before his family made their permanent home in Kingsport, where he lived for more than 85 years.

He was the son of Baker and Laura Sims and one of four children. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents and by two of his sisters, Jean Sims and Mildred Kestner. He is survived by his beloved sister, Helen Mercer of Hickory, NC.

In 1955, Glenn married Elizabeth "Betty" Barger, and together they built a devoted home and family life. Betty preceded him in death in 2012. Glenn is survived by his three children: Suzanne Lawrimore (Hickory, NC), Greg Sims and his wife Annie (Knoxville, TN), and Jenny Sims (Kingsport, TN).

He was a proud grandfather to David Lawrimore and Josh Lawrimore and his wife Colleen, and a great-grandfather to Simon, Miles, Glenn, and Rose-whose lives he glimpsed through cherished photos and videos. A graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School, Glenn played football both there and at East Tennessee State University, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He served his country in the Korean War, working as a radio operator on the front lines and driving a jeep for a commanding general. Upon returning home, he began a long and successful career as a chemical engineer with Holston Defense, where he worked until his retirement at age 65. Glenn was known for his kindness, patience, and adaptability, and for his dry sense of humor that brought quiet joy to those around him. He was deeply committed to his faith, serving for decades as a devoted deacon and teller at First Baptist Church in Kingsport.

Outside of work and church, Glenn found joy in life's simple pleasures. He was an avid bowler, a dedicated gardener, and loved spending time on the water with a fishing pole in hand.

The receiving of friends will be held from 1:00 - 2:00 PM on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Oak Hill Funeral Home in Kingsport. Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 PM in the chapel with Dr. Marvin Cameron officiating.

Military Graveside Rites will follow in the Garden of the Good Shepherd at Oak Hill Memorial Park conducted by the American Legion Hammond #3 Kingsport/#265 Gate City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Frontier Industries of Kingsport, 2017 Stonebrook Place, Kingsport, TN 37660.

He lived with steady love, quiet faith, and a servant's heart-and he will be deeply missed.

To share online condolences with the family please visit www.oakhillfh.com

The care of Glenn Edward Sims and his family has been entrusted to Oak Hill Funeral & Cremation Services.