George Mitchell “Mickey” Simms passed away on February 17, 2021 in Lubbock, Texas. Mickey was born August 8, 1938 in Amarillo, Texas. Shortly after his family moved to Clovis, New Mexico where he resided for nearly the entirety of his life.
Mickey attended New Mexico Military Institute for two years and then returned to graduate from Clovis High School in 1956. Following his graduation he served his country honorably in the United States Navy and upon his discharge he moved to Lubbock, Texas where he attended Texas Tech University. When asked about his time at Texas Tech he often joked that he went there for two terms, President Kennedy’s and President Johnson’s! Indeed anyone that ever knew him new he truly had a wonderful sense of humor, even at his own expense. He will forever be remembered as an epic story and joke teller to anyone that would listen.
He married Mary Sue “Susie” Cravens In 1965 in Lubbock and together they raised their three boys Gerald, Mitch and Gary.
After his time in Lubbock he moved back to Clovis where he remained active in the business community for almost the entire remaining years of his life owning and operating with his wife Susie, his family and numerous business partners, Sasser’s Western Wear, K-Bob’s Steakhouse, the Spudnut Donut Shop, Sparklin Wash Car Wash and Wash-O-Mat Coin Op Laundries among other ventures. He was also a long time member of the Clovis Executive Club. In addition he was involved in ranching and farming over the years and was a long time supporter of the Curry County Junior Livestock Sale and a member of the Curry County Mounted Patrol.
An avid outdoorsman with a thrill seeking soul, Mickey snow skied where he served on the National Ski Patrol in Ruidoso, raced and restored cars, flew hot air balloons and airplanes and scuba dived. He truly loved to live and travel and remained passionate about fishing and cars and generally anything that would go fast for his entire life.
It was said of him that when they made him, they broke the mold and then they beat the heck out of the mold maker.
He is preceded in death by his parents Cotton and Helen Simms, his wife Susie and his brother Jim Simms.
He is survived by his three sons and six grandchildren. Gerald Simms and his son Gerron of Socorro, New Mexico and Gerald’s daughter Jaymi of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Mitch and Mychelle Simms and their son Garret of Clovis and their son Paden of Lubbock, Texas. Gary and Amy Simms and their two daughters Rylee and Haley of Celina, Texas.
As a member of Central Baptist Church in Clovis, Mickey‘s wishes are that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Central Baptist Church of Clovis or the New Mexico Baptist Children’s Home in Portales.
Ellis Funeral Home in Muleshoe, TX will handle cremation and interment will take place at the Veterans National Cemetery in Santa Fe at a memorial service on a date to be determined in the very near future.
His humor, guidance to his family and just plain old fashioned grit will be dearly missed.