Sept. 19, 2012

Remembering an Auctioneer Legend: Col. Ray Sims

Obituary and funeral information for one of the cattle industry’s most celebrated auctioneers

For more than 45 years, Col. Ray Sims brought a distinct enthusiasm to the auction block. Best known for his upbeat, fast-paced chant, Sims transformed the way the cattle business approached auctioneering. It’s reported that his career consisted of more than 7,000 auctions across the country, attended by thousands of cattlemen and top clientele including three U.S. Presidents – Harry S. Truman, John F. Kennedy and Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In 2010, Sims was inducted into the Saddle & Sirloin Club, which is one of the livestock industry’s highest honors. Sims also was the inspiration behind Leroy Van Dyke’s hit song “The Auctioneer.” National Auctioneers Association (NAA) Auctioneer Van Dyke, of Leroy Van Dyke Enterprises, Smithton, Mo., is Sims’ second cousin.

Ray Sims’ dedication to the cattle industry and the Angus breed will not be forgotten.

Sims is survived by his wife, Melva; children, Virginia Daye Sims and Tullis Ray Sims (Carla); step-children, Lee Sankey (Susan), Chris Sankey (Sharee) and Hal Sankey (Ann); and one granddaughter, Hanna.

Services are scheduled to take place at 2 p.m., Sept. 22 at Red Bridge Baptist Church in Kansas City, Mo., with visitation from 1-2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Haiti Home of Hope, c/o Red Bridge Baptist Church, 4901 E. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, Mo., 64137; Child Evangelism Fellowship of the Greater Kansas City Area, P.O. Box 561, Grandview, Mo., 64030; or Ray Sims Angus Scholarship Endowment Fund, c/o Angus Foundation, 3201 Frederick Ave., St. Joseph, Mo., 64506.

Information for this release provided by the National Auctioneers Association.

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