Pastor Charles Edwin Sims, 98, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday morning, May 18, 2026.

Born on January 22, 1928, in Hiram, Georgia, Pastor Sims was a devoted man of God. In 1945, he married his beloved bride, Betty Roper, and they were later blessed with the birth of their sweet daughter, Mary Margaret, in 1949.

In 1978, he became an ordained minister and devoted his life to serving the Lord from that moment forward. He and his beloved Betty faithfully pastored Immanuel Church in Hiram for 26 years. Throughout his ministry, he frequently shared God's Word within various Georgia prisons and participated in numerous other local ministries. After many years of service, retirement led them to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains where they enjoyed a slower-paced life with friends and family.

His family was his greatest earthly delight, and he deeply cherished the invaluable moments they shared together. He taught his family to be steadfast in their faith in Jesus Christ, to be kindhearted, honest, forgiving, and to always treat others the way they would like to be treated. He was known by many for carrying a wooden cross, and truly, his legacy will remain forever.

"For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart." Ecclesiastes 5:20 KJV.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Betty Sims. He is survived by his daughter, Mary Sims Smith of Bluffton, South Carolina; granddaughter, Jenny Ragsdale Smith (Jay Nelson) of Bluffton, South Carolina; grandson, Casey Tyler Smith (Angela Matheny) of Marietta; seven great-grandchildren, Mary Claire, Tucker, Charlie, and Patrick Nelson, and Ethan, Katelyn, and Owen Smith; and niece, Susan Heard.

Funeral Service to honor the life of Rev. Sims will be held on Saturday, May 23rd at 3 pm from the St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge, GA with Rev. Victor Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Military Rites by the U.S. Army.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 23rd from 2 pm until 3 pm at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Samaritan's Purse in memory of Pastor Charles Sims.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.