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I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills “from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” (Psalms 121:1-2).

Rev. Dr. Raymond Everett Mims Sr. made his triumphant transition to glory with his eyes looking toward heaven. Assuredly the angels rejoiced at his arrival to be with His Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022.

Rev. Dr. Raymond E. Mims Sr. was born April 10, 1938, in Bogalusa, to the late Edward Mims and Hattie Mims of Bogalusa.

In 1956, Raymond Everett Mims graduated from Central Memorial High in Bogalusa. He continued his education at Southern University A&M, Baton Rouge, where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation and Sociology. He also received a Bachelor and Master of Theology from the United Theological Seminary in Monroe.

Rev. Dr. Raymond E. Mims at an early age was baptized at the old Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church located in “The Quarters” Bogalusa, under the leadership of Rev. Solomon Varnado. His Christian walk as a born-again follower of Christ began at his home church. He was a member of the Sunday school, Junior Choir, Saturday Night Prayer Band, Inspirational Choir and BYPU.

He was ordained as a Deacon on Nov. 14, 1976 and later ordained as a Minister in September of 1977.

After graduating college, Pastor Mims was employed with Bogalusa School System as a substitute teacher, and coach, Junior Varsity Basketball; Crown Zellerbach, Southern Timber and Wood Products Division in Bogalusa, as Assistant Safety Personnel Supervisor, Division Schedule Coordinator, Assistant Logging Foreman, Bogue Lusa Management Forest Supervisor and Supervisor of Employee Relations; He was also employed at Gaylord Paper Mill as Manager of Employee Relations and Personnel Service Supervisor.

In June of 1978, Rev. Mims was called to pastor the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church of Bogalusa. He served our church family untiringly and faithfully for 44 years. Pastor Mims trusted God completely and listened daily for God’s instructions. He was selfless, lived to please God and allowed God to order his steps. He was a great example of a man that followed God’s orders.

Pastor Mims served his country, the USA military in the Army Division. He received an honorable discharge. He was also a member of the M. W. Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of Louisiana, 123 Wisdom Lodge in Bogalusa, LA, PHA.

His community involvement included, being an elected member of the Bogalusa School Board District 3, from 1993-2018, Chairman of Governing Board of Directors, Good Samaritans Nursing Home, Inc., Board of Directors, Franklinton; Corresponding Secretary, Good Samaritans Nursing Home, Inc. Franklinton; Second Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Good Samaritans Nursing Home, Inc.; Vice Moderator & Vice President of Social Services — Third District Bogue Missionary Baptist Association.

In 1969 Raymond Everett Mims met Shirley Mae Humbles; they fell in love and were married on June 26, 1971. To this union there was a stillborn birth of a baby girl; Ramonica Mims.

Rev. Dr. Raymond E. Mims leaves to cherish his passing to glory, one son, Raymond E.(Kim) Mims Jr., granddaughter, Taylor Mims (Alex) Wharton, and great granddaughter, Sage Renee’ Wharton; one daughter, Terria Michelle Peters and granddaughter, Diamond Lewis; one brother-in law, Elder Oliver (Dr. Barbara Q.) Humbles; nephews, Donald Mims Jr. (Carol), Herschel (Mary) Dwellingham and Hershey Dwellingham, Charvus (Sharon) Humbles, Jerrod Humbles, Roland Williams, Derek (Karen) Williams, Dr. Roderick (Collette) Williams, Larry Cecil Humbles, Derrod (Crystal) Williams; nieces, Shamai Humbles, Erin (Kessinger) Fonbah, Wanda Newman Milner and Evelyn Carroll; great-nieces, Marie Inez Williams, Lauren Fonbah and Nadia Fonbah; great-nephews, Derrod Williams Jr., Brandon Williams, Dillon Williams, Jared Humbles and Christian Oliver Fonbah; cousins-in-law that were like daughters, Jennifer Lloyd and D’Lisia “Da Dukes” Lloyd and cousins-in-law that were like sons, Marcus Green and Timothy (DiAundrea) Green; devoted friend, Erica (Don)Brumfield; and a host of cousins, friends and the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church Family and Bethlehem Baptist Church Family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Humbles Mims, daughter, Ramonica Mims; his parents, Ed and Hattie Mims; and six of his siblings; Gladys, Myrtle, Lester, Bernice, Dalton, and Donald; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roy Humbles and Laura Vernon Humbles; and brothers-in-law, Chester Dwellingham and W.D. Humbles.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Cook Richmond Funeral Home, Inc., of Bogalusa. Visitation will be at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 19, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. The family will receive friends on Friday, Aug. 19, at the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church during the family hour from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. The Celebration of Life will be at the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, located at 1104 Poplas St. in Bogalusa, on Saturday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Bogalusa Cemetery.