Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Carlton Pierre Mims, 48, of Greentown, WV departed this life on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Plateau Medical Center, Oak Hill, WV.

Born April 7, 1967 in Oak Hill, WV, he was the son of Carolyn A. Mims of Greentown, WV and the late James J. Mims.

In his youth, Carlton loved to attend Sunday School and Church at the First Baptist Church of Greentown.

He graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1985 and was employed at McDonald's and Shoney's in Oak Hill, West Virginia for a number of years. Carlton then acquired a position with the City of Oak Hill in the year of 2002, where he remained until his demise.

He embarked on a lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter, which he achieved. This dream began with Bradley-Prosperity Fire Department and then Oak Hill Fire Department, where he was still serving as a faithful fireman.

No words can express the love and dedication he had in his heart for his fellow fireman, and their families. His daily "Breakfast Buddy", Mr. Gary Harding was another influential force in his life. The love Carlton had for children was shown through his willingness to work with the "Little League" of Oak Hill under Mr. Harding's guidance.

In addition to his father, James J. Mims, he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mrs. Chloe B. Smallwood; "special aunt", Dianna Smallwood Russell and a very dear friend, Tammy Alberty.

In addition to his mother, those left to cherish precious memories are his sister, Angela R. Mims of Beckley, WV; three nephews, Brandon Mims of Oak Hill, WV, Braxton T. Swafford of Wichita Falls, TX and Bryant K. Jones of Beckley, WV; "special uncle", Charles Smallwood; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 2:00p.m., Sunday, February 28, 2016 at City of Oak Hill Fire Department, Oak Hill, WV with Dr. Charles Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Memorial Gardens, Oak Hill, WV. Friends may call from 12:00 -2:00p.m., at the fire department.

Condolences may be emailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley, WV.