Ralph Gray Simms, age 95, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024, at his home in East Grand Rapids. Ralph was born in Detroit and grew up in Liverpool, New York. As a young man seeking a new chapter, he hitchhiked from Syracuse to Lansing, Michigan, where he met his life-long love of 73 years, Joyce Shovers. When he received his draft to serve in the Korean War, they were married shortly before he shipped out to Okinawa. Upon his return, Ralph earned his teaching degree, and they began their family. They soon welcomed three children, Cindy Simms Wilson (married to Jeff), Pete (married to Kris), and Matt (married to Sandi). Subsequently over the years, they additionally welcomed six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He enjoyed a 52-year career as a high school math teacher and coach of varsity baseball, JV basketball, and freshman football at East Grand Rapids High School. He was a beloved teacher and wisely tempered coach to thousands of students, including many multi-generational families who benefitted from his intelligence, big heart, and unconditional acceptance as an educator and coach.

Ralph's favorite past times were at their Pentwater cottage on Bass Lake. Between his love of sailing, fishing, enjoying Lake Michigan, and spending time with Joyce and his family, Ralph was the rare man who had everything he needed and nothing he wanted. He was a man who lived through his heart first, and intellect second.

He will be deeply missed by his family and the many who remember Ralph so fondly.

Join us as we celebrate his grand adventure with a visitation on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 5pm-7pm at Zaagman Memorial Chapel (2800 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546)

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation in honor of his memory (2915 Hall St. SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506, or egrsf.org ).

All donations will be used to purchase a memorial bench at EGR High School which will be placed with a plaque to honor Ralph's memory. All additional proceeds will go to the EGR Foundation educational enhancements programs. The Simms Family will work with the Foundation to set the bench in the right place for the guy who loved a bench with a view. We will announce when it is ready for visiting.

We're gonna miss you, Ralph! Your memory is a blessing.

Mlive article about his life. https://www.mlive.com/grpress/2008/03/ralph_simms_has_spent_52.html