The Rev. Charles Miniard, 80, of Summerdale died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, surrounded by his family.
He was born in May 1928 in Conecuh County at the home of his grandparents, Tom and Lizzie Miniard. He attended Castleberry School in Conecuh County.
In June 1950, he met Doris Salter and expressed a desire to date her. In September 1950, he left for his tour of duty with the Army in Korea. He was wounded several times and once it was believed he was dead, but somehow he survived.
He was transferred to Army Reserve in July 1952 and back in the States began to court and date Doris Salter. He persuaded her to marry him Oct. 15, 1952 at the home of Brother Robert Dewberry.
In 1972 he received a call to ministry and began his service to the Lord. He pastored his first church in Perdido. He cared for several churches before disease of dementia robbed him of what he loved most, being able to talke to people. He loved people and being with them.
He was a generous person and even in death gave of himselkf by donating his body to science.
Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Doris Miniard; daughter, Jacqueline Giles; two sons, Charles Joseph Miniard and William David Miniard; six grandchildren, Jennifer Elizabeth Giles Traywick, Charles Joseph Miniard Jr., John D. Miniard, Natasha Miniard, Keegan Miniard, Liam Miniard; one great-grandson, Nian Traywick; two brothers, Lamar Stowers and Royce Fredrick; and sister, Phillis Owens.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 at Robertsdale 1st Assembly of God Church.
