William Eugene "Bill Gene" Mims

William Eugene “Billy Gene” Mims, 79, of Phenix City, AL passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, May 15, 2026, while on a golf retreat with friends in Panama City Beach, FL.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM (EST) on Friday, May 22, 2026, with Rev. Jeremy Johnson officiating according to Vance Brooks Funeral Home, Phenix City, AL. Interment with U.S. Coast Guard Honors will be at 12:30 PM (EST) on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 1:00 PM (EST) until the funeral hour at the funeral home.

Mr. Mims was born April 19, 1947, in Millington, TN at the U.S. Naval Base, where his father was serving as a physician in the U.S. Navy. He was the son of the late William B. Mims, Jr., MD, with whom he had a special bond of admiration and devotion and Marjorie Holstein Howard, who was his lifelong advocate and supporter. Billy Gene was a proud Veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where he earned the “Best Shipmate” awarded by his peers at the Cape May, NJ graduation ceremony. He carried that same spirit of dedication, loyalty and service throughout his life. This was the first of the many awards he received while being employed with Premium Beverage Distribution Company in Opelika, AL where he served as General Manager, retiring after 45 years of dedicated service. His loyalty, work ethic, and care for people earned him the respect and friendship of many. He was an avid golfer, loved people, fellowship, and enjoyed spending time with all of his family. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Phenix City, AL and later in life, Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL.

Billy Gene never met a stranger. He loved people and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. An avid golfer, he later continued to enjoy the fellowship of his golf buddies from the cart and “the Shed” when health issues limited his play. He was also a devoted Auburn Tigers fan, a passion he shared with his father and passed on to his daughter, son, and grandson. He treasured a menu signed by the 1957 All-American team, which he obtained as a 10-year-old, while traveling by train with his father(and the Auburn Football Team) to the Orange Bowl. His home was filled with Auburn pictures and memorabilia, along with mementos from his many friendships with Auburn coaching staff. If he missed your call, you were likely greeted by his cheerful message: “This is Billy Gene. Thanks for calling. Leave a message, and I’ll call you back. Have a great day!” If you were looking for him, he was likely on his deck watching Auburn play, on the golf course with friends, or at Piggly Wiggly gathering supplies for his next grilling adventure. He delighted in life’s simple pleasures: good food, good conversation, family gatherings, and time with those he loved most. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dogs, Benji and Sam, whose companionship brought him great joy and comfort.

He is survived by his daughter, Misty Mims Carroll and husband Scott of Phenix City, AL, son, Mason Mims of Phenix City, AL, one sister, Sheryl (Sherry) Siniard of Salem, AL, and one very special grandson, Tucker Mims who brought him tremendous pride and joy. He is also survived by his nieces, Ashley Cannon Deringer (William Deringer)of Gainesville, GA and son Cannon Deringer, Kara Siniard Witsiepe (Louis Witsiepe) and daughter Caroline Witsiepe, and nephew Mark Cannon and daughter Haleigh Cannon, loving and supportive extended Reese Family members and a host of many caring friends including a special bond with his golfing buddies.

Billy Gene’s life was marked by his love for and loyalty to his children, his family, his friends, and Auburn! Though his chair on the deck may now sit empty, his stories, laughter, and Auburn spirit will live on in those he loved and all who were privileged to call him “friend”. He will be greatly missed.

Flowers will be accepted or you can also make donations to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org or Golden Acres Baptist Church, www.gabcpc.com in his memory.