Bruce Ray Sims

Lieutenant Colonel Bruce Sims, age 82, of Sims Circle in Hiawassee, Georgia passed away on April 7, 2015 following a brief illness.  Bruce was married to the late Jerry Armstrong Sims of Greensville, Mississippi.  He was the oldest son of the late Ray and Nannie Rose Sims of Hiawassee and brother to the late Dale Sims of Winder, Georgia.  He is survived by one sister and brother in-law, France and Camilla Hogsed of Hiawassee, and one sister-in-law, Beth Sims of Winder.  He is also survived by four nieces and one nephew— Jackie (Hogsed) Brewer, Dr. Janet (Hogsed) Oliva, Rayette (Hogsed) Ross, Colonel Alan Sims, and Betsy (Sims) Parker—eight great nieces and nephews and one great, great niece.  

Bruce was a patriotic man, having served 20 years in the United States Air Force and 20 years in the U.S. Border Patrol.  Upon retiring and returning to Hiawassee, Bruce wrote four books and published several poems in the local newspaper.  Many have enjoyed his book, Behind Mt. Enotah, which tells of the lives of our local people.  He enjoyed being involved in the local historical society and was known for his avid memory of Towns County.  He loved sports and served as umpire for many local ballgames.  

The family  received friends at Banister Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 08, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Funeral services were held at Banister Funeral Home in Hiawassee on Thursday, April 09, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Senior Pastor Steven Taylor of McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee and Reverend Donnie Brewer of Alexander City, Alabama officiating.  Music was provided by Dianna Lewis and Rita Hooper.  Pallbearers were  Alan Sims, Walker Ross, Albert Jones, Lynn Phillips, Ralph Kimsey, Junior Sanders, Curtis Shook, and Hearl Bright. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.