Thursday, September 29, 2016 10:03 am

Mr. John Thomas Sims "Tom" age 83 of Rutherfordton passed away Friday September 23, 2016.

A native of Rutherford County, NC Tom was a retired pipe fitter having worked in the plumbing industry.

He is preceded in death by his wife Annie Lawter Sims, his parents Robert Lee and Mattie Willi Sain Sims, five brothers and five sisters.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Tammie Sims Nelon, his son Randy Sims, his brothers Robert, Stanley and Ernest Sims, one grandchild, special friends Rachel Harrill and Kay Leibel, as well as a number of other relatives and friends.

A celebration of life was held at Crowe's Funeral Chapel with Rev. Paul Nelon and Rev. Clyde Rollins officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rutherford County Hospice P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC 28043.

Crowe's Mortuary is assisting the family.