By Staff
Services held for Hartselle dentist Dr. Raymond Sims
Funeral services were held Wednesday for civic volunteer and local dentist Dr. Raymond "Mac" McAndrew Sims.
Sims died May 3 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 65.
A native of Moundville, he was the son of Raymond and Mabelle McAndrew Sims. He was a graduate of Auburn University with a bachelor of science degree. At Auburn, he was a member and officer of Kappa Alpha Order fraternity.
He later attended The University of Alabama at Birmingham's School of Dentistry, where he graduated with honors with a D.M.D. degree. Following his graduation, he served as member of the United States Army Dental Corps, completing his service in Germany in 1966 with the rank of captain.
He practiced dentistry in the Hartselle area for 35 years, beginning his practice in February 1966.
Sims was active in several local organizations.
He is a past president of the Hartselle Kiwanis Club, and served on the board of directors of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce. He was also a founding member and director of Community Bank and Trust Company, now Colonial Bank.
He was a member of Hartselle First United Methodist Church, where he served on the Administrative Board. He was also a licensed pilot and an Eagle Scout.
At the time of his death, Sims was vice president of the American Dental Association, serving on the group's executive committee for the past 12 years. He had been a member of the Board of Trustees since 1978, completing 11 years as chairman of the Alabama Dental Association's Political Action Committee. He previously served as president of the eighth district Dental Society.
Sims was a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and a member of the Academy of General Dentistry.
He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Ann Blizzard Sims of Hartselle; a son, Mark Lee Sims of Decatur; a sister, Elizabeth Sims Chesire of Montgomery; and nephews, Raymond Todd Chesire of Montgomery and Randall McAndrew Chesire of Tuscaloosa.
Pallbearers were James Taylor, Dr. Bob Sittason, Dr. Bill Brown, Stephen Berardi, Allen Stoner, Charles Reid, Dr. Mike McCutcheon and Dr. David Sittason. Honorary pallbearers will be officers (Executive Committee) of the Alabama Dental Association and members of the Hartselle Dental Study Club.
Services were held May 8 at 3 p.m. at Hartselle First United Methodist Church, with Rev. WG Henry and Rev. Harold Thompson directing.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 216 Johnston Street, Decatur, 35601 or Hartselle First United Methodist Church, 210 Hickory, Hartselle, 35640.