Carl Sims

Obituary For Carl Sims

Mr. Carl Lee Sims, 74, of Shelby, NC passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, at Atrium Health-Cleveland in Shelby. He was born on August 5, 1946, in Cleveland County, NC to the late Mary Ellen Sims.

Carl was a 1964 graduate of Douglas High School. He later joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War. After serving in the military, Carl attended Cleveland Technical School. He later joined PPG Industries and worked there until his retirement after 32 years of service. Although Carl worked hard, he also enjoyed entertainment. He loved music, tremendously and once formed a band with neighborhood friends. As a God-fearing man and a faithful member of First Baptist Church Lawndale, he participated in the choir and served on the Board of Trustees. He loved his Lawndale community and after retirement from PPG Industries, he joined the crew at the Haynes Grocery store to “shoot the breeze” (socialize). He would usually say, he was going to “work.”

Carl was known to keep his tool set ready, his car cleaning supplies stocked, and his garden almanac handy. When he could, he loved to plant his favorite summer crop of tomatoes, okra, and squash. He was also known to step out of the house looking his best. Whether it was his creases that were sharper than any two-edged sword or his well-coordinated Sunday suit, he always took pride in how he presented himself. Carl was a kindhearted and witty man, who would make you laugh or smile while in his presence. He was a loving husband, a great father, an awesome pawpaw, and a loyal brother. He loved his family with a big heart and a strong hand. And although words were few, actions were many.

In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ms. Irene Wilson Sims, who was instrumental in rearing him; his Uncle Henry and Aunt Maggie Haynes who also played a significant role in his upbringing; his brother, Roger D. Sims, Aunts Nellie London and Ethel Harshaw, Uncle Eddie Sims and grandson T.J. Vinson.

Carl leaves to cherish fond memories of a well-lived life with wife Minnie L. Sims and his children, Tracy Wimbush (Indian Land, SC), Pattie Wimbush (Joseph Lee) of Lawndale, NC, Ava Kilgore (Pittsburgh, PA), Vanessa Burris (Kings Mountain, NC), Kay Howell (Bryan) of Waco, NC, Thomas Vinson (Shelia) of Lawndale, NC, Robin Harris (Chris) of Charlotte, NC; grandchildren: Trae Wimbush, Kevrick Schenck, Ostin Burris, Kyrah Schenck, Kaylee Schenck, Eve Marie Kilgore, Addison Burris, Terri Fullenwider, Chris Harris, Tee Howell, Jonathon Harris, Sydni Howell, Rachel Vinson, and Sarah Vinson; and his great grandson Kendrick Schenck. He was also loved dearly by his siblings: Betty Jo Jewel (Clyde) of Milwaukee, WI, Glenda Withrow (James) of Shelby, NC, and Linda McMullens (Joseph) of Lawndale, NC and a host of other great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He bids farewell to his earthly body, knowing he has lived a rich and honorable life filled with love.

The funeral service for Mr. Sims will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021, at 12:00 Noon at First Baptist Church Lawndale. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at the church and other times at 2844 Toney Road Lawndale, NC. Burial will take place at the church cemetery.

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