John Allen Mimms, Jr.
John A. Mimms, Jr., 91, of Fountain Inn, husband of Gwendolyn Walton Mimms, passed away on Friday, September 10, 2021.
“Some men are born to be fathers. John Allen Mimms was such a man. Although he had no biological children, his heart was filled with many.
Born to John Allen and Hazel Bennett Mimms on March 12, 1930 in Greenville, SC, he soon made Fountain Inn his home.
Gwendolyn W. Nance came into his life in 1965 along with her brood of four. In 36 years of service in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve, he steered many young airmen and women on a good path of life.
Loved and respected by nephews and nieces, and awed by fellow golfers, he will be remembered. For me as his wife, 56 years is not long enough.” Gwen Mimms
Mr. Mimms is survived by his stepchildren, John Nance (Lauris), Andrea Nance Bell (Herbert), Shari Gibbs (Steven), and James Nance (Candy); and his niece and nephew, Allene Heilman and Lawrence Ward.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Mimms Ward.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11:00 am in Cannon-Byrd Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: The American Red Cross.
Gwen, my heart is heavy as I read of John’s passing. Chief Mimms was my mentor, my hero and, most of all, my friend. Back in the 1980’s John visited at my shop at the College of Charleston concerning a project he wanted done, discovered I was former military and told me, “You don’t belong here”. He recruited me into the USAFR and I found a home again with my fellow comrades. May he Rest In Peace knowing what a great impact he had on so many of his military charges!
GWEN :IT IS WITH A HEAVY HEART THAT I WRITE THIS . I HAVE LOST A DEAR FRIEND AND THROUGH THE YEARS JOHN AND I SHARED MANY A MOMENT WITH DIFFERENT SUBJECTS FROM WORK TO PLEASURE . I ENJOYED THE 35 YEARS WE SPENT IN THE AIR FORCE TOGETHER AND HE WILL BE SURELY BE MISSED BY ALL HIS FRIENDS AND COMRADES . WE LOVED JOHN ALLEN , AND WE LOVE YOU GWEN GOD BLESS. — CHIEF CLYDE (TOMMY ) AND KATHARINE SANDERS —
From Colonel Richard Meyer USAF (Retired) former Director of Transportation, AFRES and MAC aerial port planner and programmer. My sympathies.. John played an important role in the MAC and AFRES aerial port program. He contributed greatly to our overall strength and success. Job well done, John. Rest in Peace.
Gwen, it is with a sad heart that I heard about John Allen’s passing. He was such a good friend to Joe and me during a lot of years. I know how much you will miss him. He was such a fun person and so very sensitive to a persons feelings. It is a lonesome time when a person loses their other half, so if I can help you in any way, please let me know. Sincerely, Janet
Gwen, It is a sad day in the hearts and lives of many troops that were associated with over the years. John was always willing to mentor the young airmen and help them to become the best they could be. I was one of those young airmen and I highly respected and regarded the advice and counsel that John shared with me. I always looked forward to talking to John and relied heavily on his sound advice. Just know that heaved has gained another saint.
I enjoyed seeing and talking with John at the Activity Center. He really believed in getting his daily walk! Also, he has been a great neighbor for so many years. He was one of the first persons to come when we lost our grandson several years ago. He was a perfect gentleman in every way! Gwen, I know you will miss him and you have our deepest sympathy!
Mr. Mimms will be missed greatly. It was an honor to know and serve him. Though our time was brief he made an impression on my heart. He was kind and gracious. May God bless and keep him & his family.🙏🏽