Joseph Lamar Timms

Joseph Lamar Timms, Sr., known to his loved ones as Lamar, passed away peacefully at his home in Greenwood on October 21, 2023.  A man to whom family was of the utmost importance, he was dedicated to his children and to his wife of almost sixty years. He gave selflessly and tirelessly of himself to see that his children were raised with love and strove to instill his high moral character in them. The last decade of his life he sacrificially dedicated himself to caring for his wife’s needs as he became her caregiver.  He left an indelible mark on the lives of those around him. A man of quiet faith, he lived his life as a testament to the gospel in how he did unto others. He brought to life the verse “By their deeds you will know them…” Matthew 7:16

Born on April 6, 1943, in Oconee County, SC, he was the son of Rev. Melvin Henry Timms and Dorothy Morine Hicks Timms.  From a young age, it was evident that he possessed a quiet strength and an unwavering commitment to those he cared about.

A reflection of his character, Lamar's hands were both strong and true. Whether it was shaking hands with clients, pointing the way for his children, or holding hands with his wife, his touch was always filled with warmth and care. As the lyrics of the song say,” Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin', they were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.” They may not have always been gentle, but they were always filled with love.

In his professional life, Lamar excelled as a salesman and manager for AIG Insurance. Lamar was a man of sincerity and integrity. His hard work and dedication earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues and clients alike. Being a man of few words, made those he spoke all the more valuable. His words were filled with wisdom and made an impact on the listener. He had a way of making others feel seen and valued, sometimes just through simple gestures. A single look could stop his children in their tracks when they were little, express his heartfelt thanks, convey humor or joy, and communicate his love. As a friend recently said of him, he said thank you with his lips, but his eyes expressed his love.  No one ever needed to wonder where they stood with him as Lamar believed in saying what he meant and meaning what he said.

A man who always kept busy, retirement did not slow him down. In place of his commitment to hard work and sacrifice in order to provide for his family, he chose to invest his time in people. He was a trustworthy resource for his family and loved being a husband and father. He added value to the lives of those around him through the display of his character and the passing along tidbits of wisdom.  Among his favorite things to do was having weekly dinners and celebrating birthdays and holidays with his wife and children.

 He enjoyed his friendships through hunting, fishing and beekeeping. He found pleasure just sitting quietly together with a line in the water, cooking barbeque, swapping stories of the past or by being the ear that could keep a secret.

Above all things, Lamar enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Lamar's impact extended far beyond professional accomplishments and personal hobbies. He cherished the love of his family deeply. He is survived by his loving and committed wife, Sylvia Jean Quattlebaum Timms and their children, Lisa Timms Lanford, Jody Timms (Penny) and Laura Falls Babb (Ray). Lamar also leaves behind a granddaughter, Angel Elizabeth Falls. He was preceded in death by a son-in law, John Thomas Lanford II. His legacy lives on through the love and memories shared with his family.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Lamar's life will take place on October 26, 2023, at Abbeville First Baptist, located at 307 N. Main Street, Abbeville, SC 29620. A short visitation will begin at 3:00 followed by a celebration of life and then a time for family and friends to gather and share memories honoring this remarkable man.

His legacy will forever be etched on our hearts, reminding us to cherish our loved ones and live our lives with unwavering honesty and integrity. As we gather to celebrate his life, may we find solace in knowing that he lived a life filled with love, purpose, and unwavering devotion to those who mattered most to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646; or by going to www.hospicepiedmont.org and click on DONATE NOW. Let us honor Lamar's memory by continuing his legacy of compassion and kindness.