Russell Alan "Rusty" Sims, 68, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away at his residence in Kernersville, NC
over the 4th of July weekend 2022.
Rusty was born December 22nd, 1953 in Du Quoin, the son of Horace Gene and Betty (Emling) Sims.
He attended Sacred Heart School, where he played basketball and served as an altar boy. He
graduated DTHS in the class of 1971 and attended John A. Logan college.
While living in Du Quoin, Rusty worked at Blue Bell Packing Co., delivered for Wonder Bread and
managed the Elks Club for many years. He moved to Winston-Salem, NC in early 1987, where he
was a customer service agent for American Express. When that office closed, he transferred to the
Miami office and worked there for several years. Rusty then found his dream job working at Ocean Reef golf
course/marina in Miami. He later decided to move back to Winston-Salem, where he was employed
by the Winston-Salem Journal newspaper as a sports editor and copywriter. When his health began
to decline, he did volunteer work at the local humane shelters until he finally settled in Kernersville.
Rusty was a total golf and baseball enthusiast, following the PGA, Miami Marlins and St. Louis
Cardinals. He was also an ardent fan of all Wake Forest sports and could tell you every pro
player who graduated from there. His vast knowledge of golfers, baseball players, coaches
and managers was truly amazing.
Rusty is survived by his mother, Betty Moss of Du Quoin, one sister, Brenda Sims of Du Quoin,
six brothers, Steve (Teri) Sims of Du Quoin, Larry (Dianne) Sims of Du Quoin, Jeff (Noel) Sims
of Fenton, MO, Don (Christina) Sims of Du Quoin, Chuck (Deanne) Sims of Nashville, TN and
Tom (Beth) Sims of Sioux Falls, SD; three step-siblings, Vicki (Dale) Spencer of Du Quoin,
Jaci (Randy) Gregory of Tamaroa and Tommy Joe Moss of St. Charles, MO.
Also surviving are a multitude of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, several cousins,
his best friends in NC, John Sebastian and Marianne Heath, and his Hemingway cat Romeo.
Rusty was preceded in death by his father, his step-father Tom Moss, one sister Janet Sims,
several aunts, uncles, cousins, a best friend in NC Kim Phillips and his beloved dog Ricky.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 29, 2022 from 5 to 7 P.M. at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Memorial donations may be made to the Perry County Humane Society, Du Quoin Gold Plate
or Masses and will be accepted at the funeral home.