Dr. Phillip Sims, 74, of Woodward passed from this life on Sunday, August 24, 2014. Services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 10:00 am in the Woodward Church of Christ with Ray Don Jackson officiating. Interment will follow in Elmwood Cemetery with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.


Phillip Leon Sims was born on April 7, 1940 near Saddle Mountain, Oklahoma to Gurnie Guy and Fern Irene (Roberts) Sims. He graduated from Cooperton High School in 1958. Phillip obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in 1962 and Master of Science in Agronomy in 1964 from Oklahoma State University. He continued his education at Utah State University where he was awarded a Doctorate of Philosophy in Range Science in 1967.


Phillip married Connie Rae Saunders on June 10, 1962 in Timber Hill, Oklahoma. Phillip and Connie were blessed with the adoption of their children, Amy Elizabeth, on July 21, 1970 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, and Aaron Russell, on May 7, 1973 in Grand Junction, Colorado.


After receiving his Ph.D., Phillip joined the Colorado State University faculty as an Assistant Professor of Range Science at Eastern Colorado Research Center near Akron. Phillip taught and conducted research at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins as an Associate Professor of Range Science from 1970 to 1977.


In 1977, Phillip was named the Research Leader/Director of the Southern Great Plains Research Station in Woodward, Oklahoma (The Field Station) where he remained until retiring in 2007. His work provided him the opportunity to travel the globe promoting methods of improving the world"s rangelands, but he always loved returning to his home in Woodward. Phillip was very involved in his community, including the Chamber of Commerce and Woodward Industrial Foundation.


After his retirement, Phillip spent his time enjoying his family, especially his "babies" (grandkids).


Phillip was a member of the Woodward Church of Christ where he served as deacon and elder.


Phillip is survived by his wife, Connie of the home; daughter, Amy Scott and husband Brent of Edmond; son, Aaron Sims and wife Lisa of Woodward; five grandchildren, Madison, Olivia, and Sophia Scott of Edmond, Seth and Anna Sims of Woodward; two brothers, Carl Sims of Edmond; Bill Sims and wife Bonnie of Mountain View; sister-in-law, Rita Baird and husband John of Norman; brother-in-law, Russell Saunders and wife Sandy of Owasso; many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.


He was preceded in death by his parents.


In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. 8/28/2014 10:00 AM Funeral Woodward Church of Christ