Marvin Mings

MARVIN THEODIS MINGS New Port Richey – Marvin was born in Panama City, Florida in 1926 to Oscar Ming and Nettie Rhoulac. His religious affiliation was that of the Methodist faith. He was a quiet man who enjoyed educational and historic presentations as well as newsworthy events. Marvin was an avid music lover, and his musical interests were varied, however, folk music remained his all-time favorite genre and Bob Dylan was his all-time favorite musician. His favorite foods included fried chicken, fish, collard greens, and chitlins. He was abundantly blessed because his wife was not only beautiful but was one of the best cooks this side of the panhandle. Marvin attended Rosenwald High School up until 1944. He met and married his wife on May 28, 1947 and was blessed with 7 beautiful children. In 1945 he joined the United States Army, where he served in World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean war among other deployments in Germany and France. His most significant service memory was in Paris, France from 1962 through 1964. In total, he served our great nation for 26 years. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service medal and an American Campaign Medal during his time of service. He stated, however, that his greatest accomplishment was his work as an Army Construction Engineer. His military experience greatly shaped how he saw the world and had a great influence on him, both at home, work, and throughout his entire lifetime. In 1972, he completed his service and retired in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, after which, he moved to settle in his childhood home in Panama City, Florida. For a short time, started work at the local paper mill. Later, he began a new career at the United States Post Office as a letter carrier for 16 years, before completely retiring in 1990. His retirement allowed him time to consider those less fortunate than himself and he made contributions to charities such as Habitat for Humanity, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, the USO, Wounded Warriors, Feeding America, Alzheimer’s Disease Research & the World Life Fund. Later in his marriage, he enjoyed a 60th wedding anniversary celebration. He had the honor and privilege of being married to the same beautiful woman, for 73 years. He also celebrated a 90th and 96th surprise birthday party. God is abundantly gracious in His love and mercy, for just this June, he accepted Jesus as his Personal Savior, answering a life-long prayer of his wife and family members who loved him dearly.

He is preceded in death by his son, Gregory Mings, Sr., his daughter, Dana Lynn Lee, and his wife, Gertha Lenard Mings. He is survived by his son, Marvin E. Mings (Lori); his daughters, Debra Petty, Natalie Sharpe (Edward), Tanya Mings, and Maria Meredith (Princelliott). His grandchildren, Glendon Johnson, Algernon Mings, Marvin Mings, Jr., (Stacia) Erica Mings, Angela Honer (Isaac), Natasha Mings, Kenneth Mings, Alicia Starcher (Justin), Shannon Latelers, Gregory Mings, Jr., Austin Sharpe, Logan Sharpe, Tiffany Horton (Donald), Natasha Mings, Giavonna Funches, Tim Harris (Bianca), Elliott Meredith, III (Kellie), Princeton Riley Meredith, Miles Avery Meredith, Pierre Mings (Nadine), Julian Lee; his great-grandchildren, Xavier Johnson, Jacynda Oun, Jadelynn Johnson, Joi Johnson, Ciera Casillas, Allie Casillas, Jr., Cheyenne Casillas, Brooklyn Casillas, Kiya Casillas, Giani Casillas, and King Starcher, Cameron Mings, Josiah Horton, Asa Horton, Ezra Horton, Natalia Mings, Christopher Mings, Jeremiah Funches, Jaden Sanders, Josiah Sanders, Ty Harris, Kyrie Harris, Talia Harris, Kaelyn Meredith, Keith Smith, Alexis Mings, Tiana Mings, Jasmine Mings, Legend Lee; his great-great-grandchildren, Jaeden Vasquez, Khirea Vasquez, Elihis Vasquez, Lyrica Casillas, and Knelani Montenez, Aniyah Hayes, Marlee Mings, Marvin Mings III, Micah Mings, Shilo Mings, Isaac Honer, Jr; additional family members, Pam Roberts, James Harris, and Solomon West; as well as numerous extended family, and various friends.