William Lee Minor Sr.

William (Jim) Lee Minor, Sr. was born in New London, Missouri on Saturday, March 22, 1941. He was the second oldest of five children. He was born to Clarence Franklin Minor and Eleanor (Coleman) (Minor) Bryant. He passed on December 22, 2022, at 1:16 PM at the age of 81. He was married to Fannie D. Minor in June of 1994, and they moved to Hannibal, MO. Jim accepted Jesus Christ at a young age. After school, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in San Diego, CA. He said that he couldn’t swim, but learned quickly when he had to jump off the ship into the water as part of his initial training. After his military service, he returned home, where he married Mary D. Givens in 1960. They had seven children. Jim worked several places over the years as a laborer: Hercules Inc., Limerick’s Mobile Station, Valley Steel, Louisiana Middle School, even hauling hay some summers. Most recently, Jim lived in Davenport, IA, with his oldest son, Bill, and his wife. This arrangement allowed Jim to stay in closer contact with his children, and participate in family celebrations. It brought Jim much joy, working alongside his boys, and sharing his life’s wisdom. Often, he fussed with Bill and Stephen as they collected scrap metal, finding little treasures that they shared with the people they loved. Family, lovingly, referred to them as, “Sanford & Sons”. To say Jim loved tinkering with vehicles, scrapping, and watching old westerns is an understatement. His great, great-granddaughters loved him and made him happy. The youngest was always looking out for her, “Papas.” Jim’s grandchildren remember their overnights, playing and wrestling with him, and his giving them all the junk food they wanted. Even as his health declined, Jim would offer to help cut the grass, carry groceries, or lend a hand when opportunities arose. He seldom bit his tongue! He told you when you were doing something wrong. If he was shaking his right finger at you, you knew he was riled up or had a point to make. Jim worked hard and played hard. Jim leaves several to cherish his memory. His children: William Lee (D’Lesia) Minor Jr. of Davenport, IA; Linda (Christopher) Bennett of Aurora, IL; Michael (Bobbie) Minor of Louisiana, MO; Donnie (Richelle) Minor of McKinney, TX; Stephen Minor and David Minor of Davenport, IA. Stepdaughters: Shanette (Ronnie) Griffith of Hannibal, MO and Kisa Thompson of Hannibal, MO. His siblings: Henry (Toni) Bryant of Curryville, MO; Patricia (Roland) Raspberry of Bowling Green, MO; and Gail Bryant of MO. His grandchildren: Angel Steward of Bowling Green, MO; Karoy Smith and Kartney Smith of Quincy, IL; Mecca Minor of Gainesville, FL; Angel Burns of Bowling Green, MO; Donnie Jr. and Devin Minor of McKinney, TX; David Mayfield, Ronald Griffith, Jr., Tiffanie Griffith, Shamar Griffith and Ronald Griffith III of Hannibal, MO. He also leaves a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie, his parents, Clarence Franklin Minor, Eleanor & Wilfred Bryant, his daughter, Frankie Ann, and his sister, Mabel Pearl. Jim seldom spent much time talking on the phone, but at the end of each call he’d say, “Have a Super-fine Day,” or, “Later,” never goodbye. Later Daddy!!! Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 5, 2022 at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO. Pastor James Smith officiating. Burial will be at the Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana, MO. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. until time of service Thursday at the funeral home.

William Lee Minor Sr.

March 22, 1941 - December 22, 2022