William Virgil Mims

William “Virgil” Mims, 92, of Moultrie, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. Due to Covid precautions, the family will have private graveside service with the Rev. Jerry Mahan officiating at Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Born on January 20, 1928 in Moultrie, he was the son of Mittie Holland Mims and Gilbert William Mims of Riverside. He was one of four children. Virgil attended Moultrie High School and after graduating at the age of 16, he immediately joined the Merchant Marines (too young to join regular forces) to start his service in WWII. After a very short time in boot camp, Mims was sent to Europe. He was there during the Battle of the Bulge, serving three years. Virgil returned home and married his high school sweetheart Margie Dekle. They were married almost 70 years before her death in 2016. Virgil retired from Swift and Company after 37 years. He was an avid sportsmen. He loved to fish and hunt, especially with his son, Craig. He had a long standing record in Georgia for claiming a trophy deer. He played semi-pro baseball – known to his teammates and opponents as “Dude” on the field. He coached Little League Baseball, county youth football, and basketball teams. Mims loved to play tennis and built a court at his home, hosting numerous tennis matches and picnics. He was also an avid golfer and was a member of Sunset Country Club, where he served on the Board of Directors. He was also a past President of the South Georgia Golf Association. In his younger years, he spent much time at the YMCA, often giving credit to the YMCA for helping form his athleticism and character. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Moultrie, spending many years in the Men’s Sunday School Class. Though he had many hobbies, his family was certainly his main priority. Following his childhood nickname, Virgil became “Daddy Dude” in his later years. Daddy Dude enjoyed teaching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren about nature and how to care for the land around their home known as “Deerbrook.” As the grandkid’s t-shirts proclaimed, “Summer at Deerbrook is Super!” He also loved spending time with his family on the Atlantic Coast with many beach walks and body surfing lessons in Amelia Island, St. Augustine, and Daytona. While he deeply loved all of his family, his wife Margie was always his main focus. Virgil was preceded in death by his wife Margie Arlette Dekle Mims, their infant son, William Coy Mims, Mother Mittie Holland Mims, Father, Gilbert William Mims, Brothers Vernon Mims & Marcus Mims, and Sister Vera Mims Murphy. He is survived by his Son Craig Dekle Mims (Susan), Daughter Teresa Arlette Mims Venet (Ernest), Grandchildren Barrie Mims Lackey (Jarrod), Abby Mims Faircloth (Jim), Lana Venet Salter (Lee), Ernest Venet III “Chip” Venet (Emily), and Michael William Venet (Ryan), and Great-Grandchildren Nicole Corinne Lackey, Garner Coy Faircloth, Maya Olivia Salter, John Tate Salter, William Beck Salter, Ava Camille Venet, Braden Michael Venet, and Kate Arlette Venet In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Moultrie YMCA at 601 26th Avenue SE, Moultrie, Georgia 31768 or the Moultrie First Baptist Church at 400 South Main Street, Moultrie, Georgia 31768. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William Virgil Mims, please visit our flower store.