Gerald Mims , March 30, 1933 — December 05, 2018

OBITUARY Gerald Mims March 30, 1933 – December 5, 2018 Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Mims, age 85, of Hokes Bluff formerly of Attalla, passed away December 5, 2018. His funeral service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, December 8, 2018 at Morgan Funeral Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation on Saturday for an hour prior to the service.

Interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. Rev. Randall Crotts officiating.

Morgan Funeral Chapel & Crematory directing. Jerry was preceded in death by parents, E.V. and Frances Bowlen Mims; siblings, Johnnie Belle Patterson, Blondelle Cagle, Estelle Murdock, Mozelle “Polly” Chumley, Pauline Chumley, Rev. Jack Mims, Lucy Baker, Jessie Mae McCormick, Harold Mims, Sybil Goosby; grandson, Jacob “Jake” Hayes.

Jerry was the youngest and last surviving member of this large family. He played guitar, harmonica, and had a beautiful voice. He lost both parents by age 16 and joined the Navy when he was 18.

He served in the Korean War and was on air craft carriers U.S.S. Boxer (II) and U.S.S. Wasp. He retired from Attalla Fire Department with 22 years, was an EMT, and retired as Assistant Fire Chief. He had a drive to excel in whatever he did, was an avid hunter, loved to fish, and golf.

He had been a member of Attalla Masonic Lodge, where he progressed to 31° and was a member of the American Legion for more than 60 years. Jerry was the proud daddy of daughter Valerie, and grandfather of Jake, deceased, and Jordan. He had a wonderful relationship with his grandson, Jordan.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of nearly 63 years, Joan Brooks Mims; daughter, Valerie Mims Hayes and husband David Hayes; grandson, Jordan Hayes; Sisters in law, Bonnie Lamunion, Elsie Horton; and nieces and nephews. He was so loved by extended family and friends, especially Kenneth Stanfield, his best friend since age 16. He and Joan were married in Elkton, Maryland, with Ken by his side.

David Hayes, hunted with Jerry and has always been supportive, but has gone above and beyond this past year. Valerie has been our “angel” in the wings. Special thanks to friend, Frances Orr, for bringing food and helping with transportation to doctor’s appointments.

Thanks also to Glencoe Bible Methodist Church for continuous prayers, and Rev. Randall Crotts for all his help. Whatever we could say would not be enough.

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