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CMSgt William Robert (Bob) Minter, U.S. Air Force, Retired, of Magee, MS, passed away in his sleep December 8, 2016, at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center Community Living Center in Jackson, MS; he was 99 years old. Bob was born October 11, 1917, to William Watson Minter and Rose Cash Minter in Peoria, IL.
Bob joined the U.S. Navy in July 1940; in September 1953, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force and ultimately retired as a Command Chief Master Sergeant in August 1971. During his naval career, Bob was a submariner and an original member of Underwater Demolition Team–2; these Naval Special Operations teams were the forerunners to today’s SEAL teams. Bob served with distinction and valor in World War II and Korea while in the Navy. One of his most memorable UDT missions was that of mine and obstacle demolition operations at Omaha Beach prior to the Allied amphibious landings on D-Day. For their service, his unit was awarded one of only three Presidential Unit Citations presented for military actions at Normandy. He survived, what remains to date, the bloodiest day in Naval Special Warfare history, where the Navy’s UDTs suffered a 52% casualty rate.
While serving in the Air Force, he served in many capacities and excelled at his work as a Combat Controller. As a member of the Air Force Special Operations community, he specialized in fire support and command, air traffic control and communications and often worked in covert, remote and harsh locations. It was while attached to the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam he earned his Bronze Star Medal (with V) he was also awarded the U.S. Army’s Combat Infantryman Badge. Some of Bob’s other military awards include the Silver Star Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal (with V), the Purple Heart (four awards) and the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal.
Bob is survived by son, William Robert Minter, Jr. of Jackson, MS; daughter, Patricia L. Giddings (John) of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Anne Minter O’Donnell of Fayetteville, NC; son, John Watson Minter (Robin) of Magee, MS; daughter-in-law, Trish Minter, of Madison, MS; grandson, Michael Giddings (Sarah) of Maricopa, AZ; granddaughter, Tegan Puckett of Magee, MS; grandson, Richard Overton of Smiths Station, AL; grandson, Jeff Foster of Lawrenceville, GA; granddaughter, Kat Tilghman (James) of Stafford, VA; and 7 great-grandchildren, Taegon, Devyn and Connor Giddings and Matthew Sabetta of Maricopa, AZ; Lani Overton of Smiths Station, AL; and Erin and James Foster of Stafford, VA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Bea (Butler) Minter; his son, James Charles Minter; his grandson, William Robert Minter, III; his son-in-law, Danny James O’Donnell; and most recently, his daughter-in-law, Sally Holt Minter.
Bob loved his family and his country; he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. A life-long animal lover, he dearly loved his dog, Dolly, and his cat, Nubbie. The family attributes his longevity to his career in military special operations which instilled in him a “never give up” attitude for life. His steadfastness, determination, wisdom and love and care for his family will be greatly missed!
The family would like to thank Dr. Peele, and the dedicated staff of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Jackson) Community Living Center, for the compassionate care provided to our “Dad” in his final months.
In keeping with Dad’s wishes, there will be a short graveside service, with military honors and Masonic rites, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Magee at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 16, 2016. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Disabled American Veterans.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements (601) 849-5031. Friends may sign online guest book at colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
