John Wesley “Wes” Minnick, Jr., 65, passed away unexpectedly at Bristol Regional Medical Center on July 27, 2019. He was born on January 9, 1954 to John and Mary Wyatt Minnick in Richlands, Virginia. Wes graduated from Iaeger High School, Iaeger, West Virginia in 1971 and attended West Virginia University, pursuing a degree in engineering before joining the United States Navy in 1972.
Chief Minnick had an outstanding career in the Navy. He served on the USS Saratoga (CV 60), the USS Clamagore (SS 343), the USS Trepang (SSN 674), the USS Flying Fish (SSN 673) and the USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657). He was also a recruiter, teacher, and mentor to countless young sailors.
Mr. Minnick is survived by his wife, Sandra Minnick; sons Brian Minnick and wife Heather of Saint Simons Island, Georgia; Zachary Howell, of Bristol, Virginia; daughter, Amie Huffman and fiancé Shawn Potter of Abingdon, Virginia; brother Dennis “Tim” Minnick of Bluefield, West Virginia; brother-in-law, Todd Eastridge of Bristol, Virginia; sisters Barbara Waddell and husband Curtis of Meadowview, Virginia; Laryssa Turley and husband Wayne of Abingdon, Virginia; three grandsons, Cody, Christian and Caleb Minnick of Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Minnick was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Minnick and infant sisters, Millie Elaine and Jennifer Lynn, twins who passed at birth.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, with a service to follow at 6:00 pm in the Frost Funeral Home Chapel. There will be a graveside service with military honors at the Wyatt Family Cemetery in Paynesville, West Virginia at 12 pm on Thursday, August 1, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust or to the charity of your choice.
Frost Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Abingdon, VA is honored to serve the family of Mr. Minnick.