By Barnett Wright
The Birmingham Times
Ronald A. Mims, longtime Birmingham Water Works Board member and former General Manager passed away on October 14. He was 67.
Mims spent over 30 years as a Birmingham Water Works employee, starting his tenure immediately following his high school graduation in 1974. From there, he worked up to leadership, serving as assistant general manager, general manager, and chairman of the utility’s Board of Directors.
He was also a former longtime pastor of Green Liberty Missionary Baptist Church in Birmingham.
“When I was first appointed to the Board, Director Mims was my chairman. I admired his passion for the employees and the customers we serve every day,” Chairwoman Tereshia Huffman said. “This was a man who worked his way from the entry level all the way to the top level of this utility. He was a true fighter, and I found that to be admirable and commendable, and I’ll carry those qualities he left with me for the rest of my life. My prayers are with his family during this time.”
Mims graduated from Ramsay High School in 1974 and went to work for the Water Works that same year. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration at UAB, a master’s of public and private management at Birmingham–Southern College, and also studied at Birmingham-Easonian Baptist Bible College.
Mims spent three decades as a Water Works employee, and served as an assistant general manager and general manager at the utility from 2000 to 2004.
Following Mims’s time as the Board Chairman and service, the BWWB renamed the boardroom in his honor on Dec. 15, 2016. In addition to his service at BWWB he served his faith and community in the Green Liberty Baptist Church. His civic contributions also included volunteering in the historic community where he grew up serving as president of the Titusville Ministerial Alliance, a member of the Titusville Civitan Club, and the Titusville Development Corporation
“Ronald A. Mims was a true visionary who led our utility with integrity and passion during his four-year tenure as General Manager,” said General Manager, Michael Johnson. “His legacy of leadership continues to inspire us all, and I know we will keep his spirit alive through our work in the community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Mims family during this difficult time.”
Mims, who was second vice-chairman and chairman of the Business and Economic Development Committee, will have his seat filled by a Birmingham City Council appointment. That person will serve the remainder of Mims’s term through next year.
