Richard Sims

Richard Calvin Sims, 79, of Newport, North Carolina, passed away on August 31, 2026.

Richard was born on May 31, 1947, in Kirbyville, Texas. A proud United States Marine and Vietnam veteran, he first served in the Marine Corps from July 29, 1965, until July 28, 1969. During his service in Vietnam, Richard was wounded in combat and awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in service to his country. He later returned to the Marine Corps, serving a second time from May 3, 1974, until April 30, 1976.

On June 12, 1970, Richard married Alice, beginning a marriage that would span more than 56 years. Together, Richard and Alice built a life and raised their family, sharing more than half a century of marriage through all of life's joys and challenges.

Following his military service, Richard worked in a variety of occupations, including construction and civil service. He was a hard worker who brought the determination and resilience of a Marine to many different chapters of his life.

Richard had a lifelong love of nature and the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and hiking and especially loved spotting and observing wildlife. He was happiest when he had an opportunity to be outside, whether walking through the woods, observing widlife, or simply enjoying the natural world around him.

Richard also had a special sense of humor that was uniquely his own. Those who knew him well will remember his wit, the laughter he brought to those around him, and his ability to find humor in life even during difficult times. His sense of humor remained an important part of who he was and is among the many things his family and friends will miss most.

That love of nature was well suited to the life Richard and Alice made in Newport, North Carolina, where the woods, waterways, and wildlife of eastern North Carolina provided countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

Richard carried the effects of his service in Vietnam with him long after he returned home, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He also lived for many years with multiple sclerosis and, later in life, faced esophageal and liver cancer. Through these challenges, Richard demonstrated remarkable perseverance and resilience. They were significant parts of his journey, but they did not define the man he was or the life he built with those he loved.

Richard's life took him from his beginnings in a small Texas town to service as a young Marine in Vietnam and ultimately to the woods and coast of eastern North Carolina. Along the way, he built a life with Alice, raised a family, worked hard, and never lost his appreciation for the outdoors and his fellow service members.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, September 4, 2026 at the Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Jacksonville. 

Above all, Richard was a husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Alice Sims; his son, Kyle Sims; his daughter, Michelle Sims Barringer; and his five grandchildren, Oliver Sims, Oscar Sims, Kennedy Paylor, Camden Paylor, and Jamison Paylor.

His family will remember his strength and resilience, the experiences and stories shared, his unique sense of humor, and the many years they were fortunate enough to share. Richard’s legacy lives on through Alice, his children, his grandchildren, and the many special extended family members and friends who will carry his memory with them.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Richard's memory to The Salvation Army.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noefs.net

Arrangements by Noe Funeral Service, Inc. of Beaufort, NC.