Charles Wayne Sims
Funeral services for Charles Wayne Sims, of Mustang, Okla., will be held at 10 a.m. April 10, 2026 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Hugo. Charles passed away April 3, 2026, at the age of 72.
Charles Wayne Sims was born on May 6, 1953 in Hugo, Okla., the son of Charles Wallace Sims and Ann (Baker) Sims. He was preceded in death by his parents; baby brother Sims; grandson, Peyton Michael Sims; granddaughter, Shelby Elizabeth Sims; brother-in-law, Richard Lumbert; sister-in-law, Beverly Hamill; niece, Shawnita Sterrett and nephew, Floyd (Hashi) Hamill.
Wayne grew up in Hugo and graduated from Hugo High School in 1971. He was President of his class, captain of the football team and attended Boy’s State. Wayne attended Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree. He was a devoted Cowboy Alumni and fan. Go Pokes!
Wayne served as the Administrator of the Southern Plains Office of Native American Programs with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in Oklahoma City from 1995 until his retirement in December of 2018. Yet his influence in Indian Country began long before his time at HUD. A proud member of the Choctaw Nation, Wayne spent 18 years working in Indian Housing, serving as Executive Director with the Housing Authority of the Choctaw Nation, the Chickasaw Nation Housing Authority and the Housing Authority of the Absentee Shawnee Tribe. He also earned high recognition as a Technical Assistance Specialist with the National American Indian Housing Council in Washington, D.C., where he worked with more than 15 tribes and Indian Housing Authorities across seven states.
Wayne’s professional service and leadership were extensive. He was a Certified Public Housing Manager through the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials and a Past President of the Oklahoma Indian Housing Association. Wayne served as a member of the HUD Secretary’s Advisory Committee on American Indian and Alaska Native Houring Programs and later as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Amerind Risk Management Corporation, a nationwide self-insurance pool for Indian Housing Authorities. Wayne also contributed as an advisor and field facilitator with the Urban Institution on the Assessment of American Indian Housing needs. Aside from his dedication to Indian Housing, he served on the Oklahoma State University American Indian Alumni Board of Directors. It is the mark of a remarkable person when they leave a lasting impact on so many lives and that is what Wayne did. He was truly larger than life –– both in presence and, as many remember, in height. Wayne was a mentor to many, but just as importantly, he was a true friend. His leadership, generosity and spirit touched countless people. We have all lost an extraordinary person, and he will be deeply missed.
Wayne is survived by his wife and best friend, Carolyn of Mustang, Okla.; sons: Wes Sims of Mustang and Eric Sims and Jamie of Yukon, Okla.; daughter, Rebekah McBride and Tony of Yukon; granddaughters: Charlotte Sims, Paige Sims and Ellery Sims; grandson, Ben McBride; sisters: Cynthia Goodrich and Jack of Durant, Okla., Gloria Redwine and Jim of McKinney, Texas, Shelley Haines and John of Sulphur, Okla.; brothers-in-law: Bobby Hamill of Grant, Okla., Sonny Hamill and Debbie of Hugo and Marion (Junior) Hamill and Kelly of Paris, Texas; sister-in-law, Anita Lee and Dennis of Grant, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
It is hard to put into words how caring Wayne was. He would do anything for anyone. That is who he was. Cancer may have taken his health, but it didn’t take his caring heart. Like he would always say… we will figure it out. He will be loved and missed forever.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Miller & Miller Funeral Chapel in Hugo.
Interment will follow the service at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo with Michael Svitak officiating, under the direction of Miller & Miller Funeral Home.
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