SSG Eddie Howard Mims, 68 years of age and a proud retired Veteran of the U.S. Army, died peacefully at home on Saturday, October 7,2023 with his family at his side.

Born on Sept. 4, 1955 in Columbia SC, he was the son of Charles K Mims, Sr. (deceased) and Evelyn R. Drawdy Mims Burnett (deceased). He is survived by his best friend and devoted wife of twenty-six years of marriage and forty-four years friendship, Mary Kay L. Euker Mims; his sons Edward 'Thomas' (Jessica), Stevie B., Isaac L. and Justin W. Mims; daughter Victoria R. Mims and six grandchildren. Additionally he leaves behind his loving and devoted sister Marlene K. Entzminger of Elgin with his niece Tonya Gardner and nephew Chip Gardner; brother Charles K 'Kenny' Mims, Jr. and nephews Charles K 'Ken', III and James 'Israel' Mims; and a large family of in-laws who remember him well with love and appreciation.

Eddie championed his mother all his life and devotedly cared for her through many years of dementia until he was overtaken by it himself in her final year; His example made it easier for family to follow in his footsteps caring for him. We heard, we saw, we will remember.

He attended Olympia and Airport schools in Columbia, SC. A lifelong fan of automotive racing, he had a passion for building and racing cars, particularly on quarter-mile tracks: If it had wheels (from two to eighteen) or tracks, he could skillfully handle it. He drove tractor-trailers over-the-road for years with an outstanding record in addition to driving locally for SCDC Recycling & Commissary Whse. He was hard working, funny, kind, loyal and compassionate. He gave his friendship, time and help readily, expecting nothing in return beyond friendship in kind, and was grateful for it. He enjoyed hunting to provide for his family, was a skilled woodsman and land navigator, loved country music, and was an excellent dancer. These things made his already bright presence shine all the brighter. He left his mark with countless indelible happy memories on us all.

While doing a variety of work over his life and making friends with ease along the way, Eddie maintained a deep and abiding appreciation for his military family. He retired after serving from 1974-1994, where he attained many exceptional accomplishments, always going the extra mile. He had much to be proud of during his years of service and was an asset to every assignment which had the benefit of his adept skills. Most of all, he was proud to have served. He particularly enjoyed marksmanship, excelling and earning many achievements. Additionally, he was a fine instructor in many areas of expertise and readily taught others what he knew. He rarely met a challenge he didn't overcome, one way or another. In short: He was an exemplary man. He met his reward for life's final challenge in this world with dignity and honor.

The memorial service for SSG Mims will be held at 10 o'clock, Saturday, October 28th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 9 o'clock. Burial in Fort Jackson National Cemetery will be at a later date.

The family would like to express their thanks to the wonderful MSA Hospice staff for their excellent caring support for us all. Also, we are especially grateful for the Veteran's Last Patrol. In lieu of flowers, a donation to veteranlastpatrol.org would honor Eddie's memory and many others like him.