LTC Charles O. Sims (U.S. Army Ret.), of Lynn Haven, passed away on Friday morning, January 16, 2015 at Bay Medical Care Center, following a brief illness.
LTC Sims, a native of Barnesville, Georgia, is survived by his wife, Mary Gay McKenzie Sims; a brother and a sister-in-law, Art and Jean Sims, of Lynn Haven; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gigi and Nevin Zimmerman, of Panama City; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Andy and Pam McKenzie, of Lynn Haven. In addition, he is survived by six nieces, two nephews, three great-nieces, and one great nephew.
LTC Sims, a helicopter pilot, served at Army posts around the world, including two tours in Vietnam, for which he was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Air Medals, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
In June of 1970, LTC Sims received special recognition for his rescue efforts in responding to a severe earthquake in Peru, where he took part in aiding survivors by performing medical evacuations and supplying food, clothing, and other supplies to inaccessible areas.
Following retirement from the service, LTC Sims settled in the Merritt Island, Florida area before he and his wife moved to Bay County in 1986.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 19, with visitation at Wilson Funeral Home from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., followed by a graveside service at 2 p.m. in the Greenwood Cemetery with military honors. Nevin Zimmerman will conduct the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those desiring should make a donation to: Warrior Beach Retreat, P.O. Box 19555, Panama City Beach, FL 32417, or your favorite charity.