Robert George Minick, 81, of Pinehurst, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at FirstHealth Regional Hospital, in Pinehurst, after a long illness.
There will be a private committal service with military honors and inurnment at Pinelawn Memorial Park. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, at Pinehurst Country Club
Born May 13, 1931, in Moline, Ill., to Robert and Alice Minick, Bob was a graduate of the engineering school at University of Miami. He was a retired lieutenant colonel of the Air Force and Reserve with 23 years of service and flew for Gulf Oil for 26 years, retiring as chief pilot in Pittsburgh in 1986.
Bob and his wife, Val, retired to Isle of Palms, S.C., where they lived until their move to Pinehurst in 2000. Bob loved to play tennis and enjoyed the competition and camaraderie of senior tournaments throughout the Southern states for many years. He also enjoyed golf and was active in the community.
After moving to Pinehurst, he was introduced to croquet and was the president of the Pinehurst Croquet Club for three years.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Quail Haven for the compassionate and loving care given to Bob over the last eight months of his life.
Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Valerie; his children David and wife, Diane, of Dallas, Susan Heagy, of Dallas, and Sandra Minick, of Steamboat Springs, Colo.; his brother William, of Miami; and grandchildren Melodie Lindsay and Christine, Kimberlee, Angela and Natalie Minick.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215. Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Boles Funeral Home of Pinehurst is assisting the family.