Meet the candidates for Walker County coroner
Two candidates, both Republicans, are running for the Walker County coroner: incumbent William H. “Billy” Sims and challenger W. Dewayne Wilson.
Early voting for the primary elections continues through May 17. Election day, the last day you can vote, is May 21; voting sites that day will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information on the election, visit “My Voter Page” (mvp.sos.ga.gov/s) and log in with your name, birthday and county to find out your voting precinct, voter registration status, mail-in application and ballot status, poll location, early voting locations, elected officials, registration information on file with the county office, sample ballot for the upcoming election, and provisional ballot status. For more information, visit the Walker County Board of Elections and Registration website at walkercountyelections. com/index.html (https:// shorturl.at/pxSY2).
Editor’s note: W. Dewayne Wilson did not respond to a Q&A sent to him.
Political party: publican
Personal: I was adopted by two great parents. They raised me in church. I graduated from Northwest Georgia High School in 1976, also from Walker Tech with my EMT degree.
Work history: I worked for Dade County Rescue and I worked for Lane Funeral Home for 20 years. I also
Reworked at Angel EMS as supervisor, then at Moore Funeral Home for 20 years. I also worked as deputy coroner under Coroner Johnny Grey.
Political history: I’m a Christian first and foremost. I ran for Walker coroner in the 2021 election and won. I’m still working as the Walker County Coroner and I’m seeking reelection in the 2024 election.
Volunteer work, associations, etc.: I am a Mason belonging to Rossville Lodge 397. My wife and I are members of Harbor Light Church in LaFayette. I’m also on the board of directors of Southern Cross Ministries.
One or two living elected officials within the state of Georgia whom you admire: Gov. Brian Kemp and Colton Moore.
Why are you the best choice for the office you seek? My staff and I have brought honor, integrity and compassion to this office. The good Lord is first and foremost in the Walker County Coroner’s Office. We have a 35-40 minute response time; we get death certificates back to families before their first visitation or the funeral.
I’m really blessed for my staff. I have prayer with every family that will allow me to.
I took a part-time position and made the Walker County Coroner’s Office into a full-time office for the citizens of Walker County.
Contact info: Phone: 423-227-8658; Email: hfmemorials@gmail.com; Facebook: William Sims for Coroner
Tamara Wolk is a reporter for The Catoosa County News in Ringgold, Ga., and Walker County Messenger in LaFayette, Ga.