James Leon Minick

Reverend James Leon Minick, Sr., 90 passed into heaven on Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at NEA Baptist Hospital in Jonesboro. He was born in Big Flat, Arkansas on December 18, 1926, to James Columbus and Clara Lawrence Minick. His family moved to the Jonesboro area shortly before he began school. At the age of 17, after completing his eleventh year of school, he was drafted. He served in the Army during World War II, returning to complete his education and graduate from Nettleton Public Schools. On August 30, 1958, he married Wanda Lee Layne. At the age of 42, he surrendered to the ministry, was ordained and began his life’s work for the Lord. He was a bi-vocational pastor at Alsup Baptist Church outside of Bay, Arkansas for forty-four years until death. He loved the Lord and he loved people, especially every child that he ever met. He was hospitalized for over two months, yet was truly blessed by the number of people who visited, called and prayed for him. His youngest granddaughter, Samantha and her mother devoted their time after work each day to staying with him and caring for him.He is survived by his daughter Deborah (Bill) Davidson of Bono; his son James, Jr. (Annette) of Paragould, five grandchildren: Willie, Veronica, April, Felicia, Samantha; four great grandchildren; and so very many children young and not so young that called him Pawpaw. He is also survived by his sister Katherine Sue Minick; and his Church family and a host of other family and friends.He is preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Wanda, three brothers, and two sisters. His work here was done, his Lord and Savior laid his hand on his heart placing it at rest, took him by the hand and led him into eternal paradise where his loving wife was waiting. What more can a simple man desire? He only leaves on wish behind: “That we prepare to join him one day in Heaven.”Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2017 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m. at the Alsup Baptist Church County Road 625 Bay, Arkansas, 72411 The family has requested private disposition under the direction of Faith Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Alsup Baptist Church Piano Fund.