William Ernest "Bill" Mims

1947 - 2021

William Ernest "Bill" Mims
Born January 1, 1947 Pensacola, Florida
Went home to Jesus April 20, 2021 Memphis, Tennessee

Bill was born in Pensacola, Florida to Wright Lorenzo Mims and Laura Elizabeth Clark Mims. He was the oldest son of four children: Charles Robert "Bob" Mims, Jean Mims James, and Jane Mims Jennings. Bill was raised in Florida where he graduated from Pensacola High School in 1964. On March 30, 1965, Bill joined the United States Air Force. He proudly served for over three years including one year and five months of overseas service during the Vietnam War. During his time in the Air Force Bill became an air traffic controller. He also had an interest in flying which led him to obtain his private pilot's license. Bill mustered out of the Air Force on December 10, 1968, at which time he began attending college. Bill eventually graduated from Memphis State University in 1979, this was one of his favorite accomplishments.

Bill moved to Memphis, Tennessee in 1970 and began working with the Federal Aviation Administration as an air traffic controller. He also became a member of Bellevue Baptist Church where he faithfully served the Lord in many different capacities. He taught Sunday school, was a Deacon, an Usher and a Bus Driver. On February 11, 1973 Bill married Jo Ann Thames and they began a lifetime of adventures. Bill had four children: Clark (Donna) Mims of Memphis, Tennessee, J. Morgan (Rhonda) Mims of Aptos, California, JoLaura Bell of Oakland, Tennessee, and Wright (Megan) Mims of Memphis, Tennessee. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Wright Lorenzo Mims and Laura Elizabeth Clark Mims, and his sister Jean Mims James. Bill has seven grandchildren: Brittany (Dakota) Brown, Berkley Mims, Lilly Berlin, Ashton Mims, Maggie Berlin, Morgan Mims, and Wright Mms Jr (Ace).

Bill lived a wonderful life full of great adventures. He leaves a legacy that will last many years to come. Bill touched many lives throughout the years by helping other people and by teaching his children how to be honorable people. He was a faithful man of God who taught his children how to love God and each other. Bill loved his family and friends and was always ready to help in any time of need. He will be missed by many people, but we can all rejoice that he is reaping his rewards in Heaven today!

William Ernest "Bill" Mims: Faithful Husband, Father of four, Grandfather of seven, Friend to many, A Godly Christian man with a great sense of humor. We love you!

The Mims family invites you to join them as they remember this special man on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 from 10 a.m. until services at 11:00 a.m., all at Bellevue Baptist Church. Interment will follow at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Love Worth Finding, Mid America Seminary, or Bellevue Baptist Church's Missions Department. Thank You!

Funeral service entrusted to Brent Taylor-Paul B. McCarver Funeral Directors
901-707-8115
www.BrentTaylorFuneralDirectors.com