Billy T Nimmons

Reverend Dr. Billy T. Nimmons of Dalton, GA died on Friday, August 9, 2019, at his home. Dr. Nimmons, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Dalton, GA, served as the Church’s Senior Pastor from 1977-2000. He also served other churches in Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Texas. Dr. Nimmons was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey (Clara Mae) Nimmons, and a sister, Sarah Turner.

Dr. Nimmons was born in Houston, TX on December 10, 1934. He was a graduate of Baylor University, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and he holds an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Mercer University. Dr. Nimmons’ civic and community engagement speaks of the passion that he had for social justice and those who have been disenfranchised in life. He served as a member of the Dalton Senior Housing Project and the Whitfield Commons Board, the Second Chance Program at Dalton High School, the Green House Child Advocacy Board (founding member), the AIDS Task Force for Whitfield County, the Whitfield Healthcare Foundation (various positions held), the Dalton/Whitfield Chamber of Commerce Board, the United Way Board, the Whitfield County Mental Health Society, the Georgia Council of Civic and Moral Concerns, the Advisory Board of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northwest Georgia, the Family Crisis Center, the Board of Directors of the Kiwanis Club of Dalton, the Olive Branch Board, and a member of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program Advisory Committee.

Dr. Nimmons was actively involved in denominational work locally, statewide, and on the national level. He held many positions within the denomination. Dr. Nimmons also worked with missions partners in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America.

These accolades aside, Dr. Nimmons’ driving passion was serving as Pastor to not only the members of First Baptist Church, but also as Pastor to many members of our community and surrounding area. His heart’s desire was to fulfill the calling for himself and his Church to meet the needs of all people while never neglecting to share the message (gospel) of Jesus Christ. He mentored many in his ministry to fulfill their calling in/to ministry as well. Untold lives were touched and led to redemption by his love, care, compassion, and relentless prayers.

Dr. Nimmons is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne Ball Nimmons of the residence; children, Rhonda (Richard) McGee of Snohomish, WA, Truett (Lee Ann) Nimmons of Dalton, Deborah Nimmons (Frank Martinez) of Seattle, WA; grandchildren, Katie Gaynier, Carley McGee, Kirsten McGee, Anna Nimmons, Memphis Martinez, and John Nimmons; great-grandson, William Gaynier; brothers, Lindsey Nimmons, Jr. and Donald Nimmons; and, sister, Beth Boughner. Nieces and nephews also lovingly survive.

First Baptist Church of Dalton will host a community visitation for the Nimmons family on Thursday, August 15, from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and Friday, August 16, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in the Atrium of First Baptist. A memorial service to celebrate the life and ministry of Dr. Nimmons will be held on Friday, August 16, at 3:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of the Church with Reverend Dr. Jonathan Barlow and Reverend Phillip Cannon officiating. First Baptist Church of Dalton is located at 311 North Thornton Avenue, Dalton, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the First Foundation or First Baptist Church of Dalton. The address for both is P. O. Box 827, Dalton, GA  30722.