Nathan "Nate" Sims

Nathan “Nate” Lynn Sims born March 21, 1963, in Lancaster, South Carolina, the son of William "Bill" Sims and Susie Ogburn Sims, he passed away on September 5, 2026, at his home.

He shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with his loving wife, Janet Lynne Sims. The two had just celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary in June—a beautiful milestone in a life they built together through love, family, hard work, and devotion to one another.

He was a proud father to his two children, Bryan Sims (Matt) and Alicia Nichols (Travis). He was also a loving grandfather to his four grandsons, Brandon Lucas (Ciah); Caleb Lucas (Railee); Doster Lucas; and Jayden Lucas and four step grandsons, Warren Dyches, Colt Dyches, Hunter Nichols and Mattox Nichols. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Susie, who held a special place in his heart.

He is also survived by his sisters, Jean Wright (Steve) and Betty Cauthen, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Billy Sims, Claude Sims, Homer Sims, and Aaron Sims.

From a very young age, it was clear that he had a gift for working with his hands.

Around the age of 15, his parents helped him build a small woodworking shop in their backyard. Years later, after meeting his wife Lynne, that little shop was taken apart and moved to her family's land. It was there that a lifelong career and family legacy began.

He established his custom cabinetry and mill work business, Nate's Woodworks, and as his son Bryan grew older, Bryan joined his dad in the shop. The business would eventually become Sims Custom Cabinetry. For more than 40 years, father and son worked alongside one another, together with his grandsons many employees over the years, creating beautiful work and building a business founded on craftsmanship, hard work, and pride in doing things the right way.

He was a true craftsman in every sense of the word. There was very little he couldn't build, repair, or figure out. Even when his health began to prevent him from working as he once had, it couldn't keep him away from the shop. He continued making his daily visits just to stop in, see everyone, and say hello. The shop was more than a workplace to him—it was a part of who he was and a legacy that will continue through his son and the work they built together.

He was a member of Fork Hill Baptist Church, and his faith and craftsmanship gave him opportunities to serve others far beyond his own community. During the 1990s, he traveled alongside fellow church members and missionaries on mission trips to Africa, Brazil, and Haiti. There, he put the same skills and knowledge he used throughout his career to work helping build schools and churches for communities in need. These trips allowed him to combine his gift for building with service to others, leaving behind something meaningful in places far from home.

He loved traveling, camping, the beach, and spending time in the mountains. As a boy, he was involved in the Boy Scouts, beginning a lifelong appreciation for being outdoors and seeing new places. When his children were young, summers often meant traveling to the family's place in Florida, and those trips rarely included just the immediate family. Friends and extended family were always welcome to tag along, creating memories that would be talked about for years to come.

Later in life, some of his favorite adventures were cruises with his family. He loved getting away, seeing new places, and simply enjoying time together. He was just as happy heading to Chimney Rock or another favorite spot in the mountains for a quiet, relaxing weekend.

He also had a great love for music of all kinds. In recent years, some of the simplest moments became some of the most meaningful sitting at home together, listening to music, enjoying each other's company, and not needing much else.

His family would especially like to recognize and thank his devoted wife, Lynne. An RN by profession and a caregiver by nature, she faithfully cared for her husband throughout his declining health. Her love, strength, knowledge, and dedication allowed her to be not only his wife and best friend, but also his greatest advocate and caregiver. The family will forever be grateful for everything she did for him.

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the many doctors, nurses, caregivers, and medical professionals who cared for him along the way. Your compassion and kindness will always be remembered.

His life can be seen in so many things he leaves behind: in the family he loved the friendships he made, the places he traveled, the countless memories shared, and in the craftsmanship of things built by his own two hands. Those who knew him will remember a hardworking man, a gifted craftsman, a devoted husband, a proud father and grandfather, and someone who understood that some of life's greatest treasures were simply being together with the people you love.

His tools may now be still, but the things he built and the life he built around them—will remain for generations.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in Fork Hill Baptist Church, Heath Springs, S.C. Pastor Adam Furr will officiate.

The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service on Saturday beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.

Following the funeral service Mr. Sims will be laid to rest in the church cemetery,

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.