Stephen Vaughn Sime

Stephen Vaughn Sime, 76, was born on April 28, 1947 and passed on November 8, 2023 at his home in the arms of his wife and three children.  He was preceded in death by his parents Myron Jay Sime and Virginia Strother Sime Kirsten, step-father George Kirsten, and brother Myron Strother Sime.

Steve was born in Caldwell County and graduated from Lenoir High School and attended Elon College.  After a brief service in the Army, Steve returned to Lenoir working for the Lenoir News-Topic then Peterson's Shoes.  The name changed to Steve's Shoes following the purchase of the store and the building.  A proud moment for Steve was to turn the key and open the door.  He worked with fellow merchants to promote business downtown.  He was a gifted salesman and in later years could recall the shoe sizes of many customers.  After 20 years in retail sales his career continued as a sales representative for Timeless Bedding traveling the roads of four states, always striving to return home in the evenings to his family.

Steve was a lifelong active member of First Presbyterian Church serving as deacon and Sunday School Superintendent, playing church softball, and singing in the choir.  He instilled in his children the importance of church family.

Steve enjoyed the simple things: working with his hands, coaching, hanging out in his shop, playing with his family, hiking Hibriten Mountain, riding bikes, anything baseball, planting a garden, mowing the neighborhood, swinging on the porch, crossword puzzles, and being "Pappie." Steve was a kind, loving husband, daddy, Pappie, and friend.  He was so proud of his family.  Whether he was in your presence or on the phone, you felt his love.  He dealt with years of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis with strength and grace always remaining positive under the loving care of his favorite nurse, Ann.  Most recently, you would find him in his chair (whether it was in the living room, by the creek, on the driveway, or on the porch).  He loved watching his children and grandchildren play and talking to Ann about the beautiful life they created together in their 50 years of marriage.

Steve is survived by his wife Ann Hathcock Sime; three children Anna Dale (Jon), Tyler Sime (Jennifer), and Maggie Murray (Paul).  He had 5 grandchildren, Owen, Noah and Lillian and Dale, Hunter and Sawyer Sime.

A celebration will be held on Friday, November 10 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Lenoir.  Receiving to follow.

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

Hibriten High School Band
1350 Panther Trail
Lenoir, NC 28645

First Presbyterian Church Lenoir
PO Box 641
Lenoir, NC 28645