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Gary Simms Obituary
Gary L. Simms
May 26, 1958 - Aug. 13, 2021
OAKLEY - Gary L. Simms, 63, of Oakley, IL passed away on Friday, August 13, 2021.
A visitation to honor and celebrate Gary's life will be held from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel. Memorial contributions may be directed to Decatur Camera Club.
Gary was born on May 26, 1958 in Decatur, IL, the son of Gerald and Mildred (Albin) Simms. He was a graduate of Cerro Gordo High School, Millikin University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Dental Medicine. He practiced dentistry with his brother, Rick D. Simms for 30 years. Gary was a member of the Decatur Camera Club and Decatur Investing Club. He was an Eagle Scout, a ham radio operator, and enjoyed playing music, hiking and traveling. A favorite place was Arches National Park in Utah.
Gary is survived by his brother, Rick Simms and wife, Joni of Decatur, IL; nieces: Sarah McDowell and her husband, Andrew of Sullivan, IL, and Hannah Melin and her husband, Tyler of Davenport, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary Simms
6 Entries
Ben Watkins
August 23, 2021
Gary was one of the most kind, decent and generous people I've ever known. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. His passing is a loss to our entire community as well. I was very proud of how Gary took up music relatively late in life and progressed to playing multiple instruments in ensembles.
He took every precaution to spare his patients discomfort and I always got the best possible treatment when he was my dentist. It was obvious how much he cared for the patients and wanted to always give them the best experience possible.
Please accept my apologies for missing the services, as I am just hearing about this. I will miss Dr. Gary and will always remember him as someone who was unfailingly kind and helpful in my experience. I will miss him, and I send best regards to all the family and friends who will miss him as well.
Patrick McBride
August 21, 2021
Rick and Joni, Please accept my deepest sympathies about Gary. I've never lost a sibling, but I'm sure it's tragic. I didn't know him, but after reading the obituary, I think we would have enjoyed each other's company. We will keep you and your family in our prayers. Looking forward to seeing you on the courts or out walking!
Tonya Sanders
August 20, 2021
Dr. Rick was my dentist, but I would see Dr. Gary in passing when I would go into the office. He was such a nice man. My prayers are with Dr. Gary and his family.
Tom & Arlene Gibbons
August 18, 2021
Rick and family we are so sorry to hear about your brother Gary both of you are so nice we had a wonderful dentist for years and years I am praying for your family and God is taking good care of Gary God bless
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Linda Waters
August 18, 2021
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. He was my family dentist for many years. He had a great sense of humor and cared about his patients. He often said he wasn´t going to get rich off me because I never had any cavities. :-) When my daughter was young she liked going to Dr. Simms because he was gentle and funny. He will always be our favorite dentist of all time. RIP Dr. Simms.
Barbara Morthland
August 17, 2021
Gary was a man of many talents. He was my dentist until he retired and became a friend as well.
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Memorial Events
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Aug
21
Visitation
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home - North Chapel4020 North Water St., Decatur, IL 62526
Funeral services provided by:
Calvert & Wikoff Funeral Home - North Chapel4020 North Water St., Decatur, IL 62526
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