EARL KENNETH SIMS

OLANTA - Earl Kenneth Sims, age 79, passed away at his home on Monday, June 25, 2018, surrounded by his family after an illness. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at Olanta Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery, directed by Floyd Funeral Home. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at his home, 324 Bingham Ave., Olanta.

Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late John Maxie Sims and Ella Mae Matthews Sims. He was retired from Wellman Industries after 27 years, former owner of the Bearcat Drive-in, served as a former firefighter with the Olanta Fire Department, a Mason and member of Beulah Lodge No. 259, a member of the Olanta Baptist Church and the Thomas Truluck Sunday School Class.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Gracie Mae Freeman; and a brother, Harold Burnice Sims.

Surviving are his wife, Betty Lou Matthews Sims of the home; a daughter, Robin (John) Chavis of Lynchburg; two sons, Earl Kenneth Sims Jr. (Sheri) of Boydton, Virginia, and Brian Lee Sims (Greg Hahn) of Salem, Massachusetts; five sisters, Shirley Temple Buddin and Carolyn Cooper (Harry), both of Olanta, Miriam Louise McAllister of Coward, Sybile Tripp (Roger) of Ayden, North Carolina, and Barbara Ann Ramsey (Jim) of Lake City; two brothers, John Henry Sims (Miriam) and James Evern Sims (Carol), both of Olanta; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank Amedysis Hospice, Michelle Baker, Marie Goodman and Francine McKenzie for the care they provided during this difficult time.