Photo courtesy of Woodard Funeral Services - Jonesboro
Oct 13, 1964 - Nov 17, 2025
Gary was a great friend and man of God. It was a privilege to know "G"
Keith Hudson
January 23, 2026 | Houston, TX | Friend
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Katie Lynch
November 26, 2025 | Rowlett, TX | Friend
RIP Gary! God loved you more! Praying for the family ❣!!
Cynthia Hall
November 25, 2025 | Jonesboro, AR | Friend
Farewell Gary! Had loads of laughs with you. Grateful that you’re no longer in pain. I know you’re at your happiness now. “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
Barbara Tate
November 25, 2025 | Jonesboro, AR | Friend
With deepest sympathy. I wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. I will always remember Gary's infectious smile and kind spirit. He was a wonderful person to be around and will be deeply missed.
Eureka Carter
November 25, 2025 | Maryville, IL | Friend
Sending prayers and love to the family.
Mamie Take
November 24, 2025 | Jonesboro, AR
I so wish we’d had more time but knows best.
You were truly the epitome of the word “friend”. I will miss you.
Keisha Anderson
November 24, 2025 | Jonesboro, AR
Rest well my brother, class of 83 forever
Tony King
November 21, 2025 | Forrest City, AR | Classmate
Gary will truly be missed. Prayers to the family during this time.
Winfrey Cheryl
November 21, 2025 | Dallas, TX
On October 13, 1964, Gary Dean Sims (Uncle G.) was born into what we now call “The Aretha Five”. Gary was next to the oldest of five children born to Aretha Sims.
Gary was born in Marianna, Arkansas (AR). He accepted Christ into his life at a young age. He rededicated himself to Christ 1992. Gary held strong to his Christian faith and beliefs; truly believing “God’s Perfect Will Be Done”.
In 1983 Gary graduated from Forrest City High School where he made life-long friends who gave him continuous love and support throughout his journey. He also attended DeVry College, Dallas Texas (TX). After moving to Dallas, TX; Gary married Tonja Savala. Gary and Tonja had a family of four daughters. Gary married again and was blessed with two stepsons. He was a loving, hands-on parent and grandparent.
While residing in Dallas, TX; Gary became a member of The Potter’s House, Dallas TX. Upon returning to Arkansas, Gary assisted as a teacher of God’s Word and a lead vocalist. He later became an active member of New Saint John Baptist Church, Jonesboro AR. Gary served as a dedicated Usher as well as being of service in numerous church activities and events.
Gary was both a simple and complex man with a charismatic personality. Being a very social person, Gary had an innate love of people. He was purposeful in pouring into and sustaining healthy and loving relationships with family and friends. He was extremely generous with his time, finances, lodging and so much more. Having a strong faith in God’s grace; Gary believed in paying grace forward and making things better.
Gary was preceded in death by his loving mother, Aretha Sims, his vibrant, spirited daughter, LaKeisha Savala and four brothers. Of his passing, Gary leaves to mourn a loving, supportive father, Mr. Curtis Griffin: of “The Aretha Five” siblings; Oliver Sims, Juanita Sims, Sondra Sims and Brenda Scott (Terry), and several other devoted siblings (Jonesboro and Peoria, IL): three amazing daughters; Candie Savala, Natoshia Hamilton, and Doneisha Savala: two stepsons; Dexter Jones and Jaylon Walker: seven grandchildren; Riley and Rhyane Hamilton, Trenity and Tayla Williams, Teyana Savala, Chase Washington and Caiden Hand. Gary was the cool, caring, nonjudgemental “Uncle G.” to a host of nieces and nephews. He also has loving aunts, uncles and cousins. His legacy, memories and life lessons will live on through all his loved ones.
Gary enjoyed attending family gatherings often inciting laughter with his cool, playful and opinionated demeanor. He loved to fish, play cards and dominos and yard landscaping and maintenance. He was the one who got the call to help in just about any capacity because Gary was justly “that guy”.
Memorial Service: Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. a Woodard Funeral Service (Grace Chapel) in Jonesboro, Arkansas
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