Gene Craig Sims

Gene Craig Sims, 60, loving husband of Claudia Ridgeway Sims, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.

Craig was born in Munich, Germany on July 27, 1964, the son of the late Martha Gayle Settle Sims and Gene Earl Sims.

Craig spent his career digging deep roots in our community through entrepreneurship and land development. He began his entrepreneurial journey when he went into partnership with his father and uncle at the Boiling Springs Hardware and Discount Auto Supply Store. He later ventured to develop Woodfin Ridge golf community with partners and embark on various developments in the Boiling Springs and Spartanburg area. One of his most recent ventures includes the acquisition and restoration of Riverbend Sportsman's Resort in Inman- a legacy his girls will continue building in his honor. His efforts in our community were recognized in 2019 with the Citizen of the Year Award.

Craig lived life to the fullest. When he was not working, he spent his time in the woods, on the lake, or in a duck blind with his dog, Buster. His love of the outdoors led him to travel the world on his hunting adventures. He loved to cook and to travel with his wife, Claudia, and dear friends and family. He enjoyed time with their small group at Church at the Mill and led a men's Bible study which he cherished dearly. He spent his latest years riding his grandboys on the tractor, teaching them how to fish, raise chicks, and all of the things a boy should do.

He loved his family fiercely, and his grandsons were his pride and joy. He will be remembered forever for his deep love for people and his ability to light up every room with laughter. He left a legacy of hard work and trusting the Lord in the face of adversity that will not be forgotten. He was adored by his wife and girls and will be dearly missed. Praise the Lord; he is healed and restored with our Lord and Savior and surely hunting the streets of gold.

Left to cherish his memory in addition to his wife of 34 years, Claudia, are daughters, Abbey Sims McGinnis, and husband, Grant, and Emily Sims Melton, and husband, Thomas; sister, Kim Sims; and grandsons, Sims and Radley McGinnis. He was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at Church at the Mill with Rev. D.J. Horton officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Melton, Grant McGinnis, Bob Seamon, Mike Ridgeway, Jack Linnerud, Rusty Mathis, Jackie Fortner, Doyle Johnson, Kyle Mathis, Allen Newman, Matthew Smith, and Owen Smith.

The following are asked to sit in a group: the members of the Harry Hampton Wildlife Fund, the Wednesday Morning Bible Study members, and Church at the Mill Small Group.

The family will receive friends Monday, July 14, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Church at the Mill.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, PO Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or online at www.mobile-meals.org or to Church at the Mill, 4455 Anderson Mill Rd., Moore, SC 29369 and designated to "His Storehouse Ministry".