Charles Neil Sims Sr., of Douglas, GA passed away on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at Zebulon Park Health and rehabilitation in Macon, Georgia, following an extended illness. Mr. Sims was born on January 29th, 1934, in Douglas, GA, to the late Charles Morea Sims and Willie Mae Cornelius Sims.
Neil was born and raised in Douglas, GA attending city schools and graduating from Douglas High School in 1952. He grew up with his younger brother, David “Bud” Sims, who were both very active and precocious boys. He had fond memories and great stories growing up in Douglas in the 1930’s and 40’s with “Bud” and a slew of great friends. In listening to all of his childhood escapades, Neil always brought his family much enjoyment and laughter, especially his camping and fishing adventures with his uncle, Thomas Bryant “Tom” Sims. His stories sounded like the original Little Rascals.
In high school, Neil excelled in sports and academics. A real source of pride for him was playing football for the legendary Coach Van Davis.
After graduating high school in 1952, Neil was accepted to The Citadel, the Military College of South Carolina, in Charleston, South Carolina.
At The Citadel, Neil was the executive officer for B company his senior year. His academic honors included Deans List and Gold Stars multiple times. In his junior year he was appointed along with three other cadets to study and formulate the Honor System at the Citadel by then Citadel President General Mark W. Clark. He was later elected by his classmates to be a member of the Honor Court, and was named its first chairman in 1956, his senior year. The system Neil and his three other classmates enacted is still the core basis of the Honor System at The Citadel to this day. Neil was also a member of the Summerall Guards, The Citadel’s legendary Silent Drill team.
During his time at The Citadel he began a Courtship with his high school classmate, Waunelle Vickers. His family always enjoyed the funny story of him hitchhiking from Charleston SC to Brenau College in Gainesville, GA in the back of a chicken truck to see his beautiful Waunelle. Neil and Waunelle married in 1956 after graduation from college, and moved to Ft. Bliss, Texas.
Neil was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in Air Defense Artillery upon graduation. At Fort Bliss, he was part of the Nike Hercules and Atlas Missile programs. He later joined the GA Army National Guard, and retrained at Ft. Benning, GA as an infantry officer in the 48th Armored Regiment. He fulfilled his commitment with the National Guard in 1966 at the rank of Captain.
Neil graduated Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science in 1960, and returned to Douglas where he joined Sims Funeral Home, beginning a 65 year career in funeral service for Douglas and surrounding areas. He served his community with dedication, compassion, and professionalism. He was old school, wearing a coat and tie seven days a week and present every day at the office until May of 2024.
Neil also served Douglas and the Coffee County community in many ways. He served as coroner for thirty five years. He also served on the Farmers Bank board of Directors, (Later Suntrust) as well as the First United Methodist Church Administrative Board. He was president of the Coffee County J.C.s and president of the Douglas Loins club, where he was a member for over fifty years and a Melvin Jones Fellow.
Neil’s greatest gift and legacy for his family was how he lived his life. Always exhibiting self-discipline, work ethic, and faith in the Lord. He loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and loved spending time with all of them.
His Survivors include: One Daughter; Mary Lou (John) Holmes of Macon, Georgia, One Son; Charles Neil “Chuck “Sims Jr. of Ambrose, Georgia, One Brother; David Melton “Bud” (Leslie) Sims of Green Brae, California, Five Grandchildren; Charles Neil “Charlie” Sims III, William Vickers (Baylee) Sims, Caroline Greer (Anna) Sims, John Paul (Katie) Holmes IV, Neil Sims (Emily) Holmes, Five Great Grandchildren; Jack Josiah Sims, Oliver William Sims, Finly Reid Sims, Evelyn Louise Holmes, Georgia Mae Holmes, and Palmer Rae Sims on the way. Mr. Sims was preceded in death by the love of his life Mary Waunelle Sims, and his Parents, Charles Morea Sims and Willie Mae Cornelius Sims.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 27, 2025, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, at Sims Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 2:00pm, at First Methodist Church Douglas, Georgia with Rev. Paul Elliott, Rev. Marshal Adcock, and Rev. Lonnie Spikes officiating. Chuck Sims will deliver the eulogy. The interment will follow the service at the Douglas City Cemetery.
Active Pallbearers will be: Jim Minchew, Jerry Perkins, Scott Perkins, A.C. McKiever, Jake Relihan, Scott Jones, John Day, and Jeremy King.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Georgia Funeral Directors Association Members, Bart McCullough, Bob Powell, Leon Whitley, Coffee County Ministers, Citadel Friends, and Class of 1952 Classmates.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Douglas First Methodist Church.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.