RET. MSGT. DONALD D. MINNISH
Sept. 6, 1941-Jan. 20, 2014
Retired Master Sgt. Donald Dean Minnish, 72, passed away Monday, Jan. 20, at Wayne Memorial Hospital with his loving family by his side.
Don was born in Greenville, S.C., to Bruce and Georgia Minnish.
He spent his childhood in the mountains of North Carolina, and called Marion, N.C., home.
He joined the Air Force in June of 1961. His career took him to Lincoln, Neb., where he met and married the love of his life, Connie. They would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this July.
He served his country for 20 years before retiring, and was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War. During his service, he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with four devices, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two devices, Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal with five oak leaf clusters.
Don was the most caring and giving man, who never met a stranger. He would give anything he could to help people. He was most proud of his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved spoiling them every chance he got.
He had such a great sense of humor, and was known for being a practical joker, but most of all, he loved his family with everything he had.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. at Wayne Memorial Park, with pastor Rufus Butner officiating.
Family members will greet friends Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home, and at other times, will be at the home of his daughter, Angie and Jay Lancaster, 998 Falling Creek Church Road, Goldsboro.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 49 years, Connie; his daughter and son-in-law, Angie and Jay Lancaster, and their children, Heather and Trent; his son and daughter-in-law, Jeffery and Christina Minnish, and their children, Jackson, Lauren, Colin and Dylan; a special sister-in-law, Paula Thrash, and her children, whom he thought of and loved as grandchildren, Andrea, Brandon and Kaitlin; his sister, Pat Sisk; and several nieces and nephews.
Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home is serving the Minnish family, and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on January 22, 2014 1:48 PM