Minter Andrew Garvin, Sr.

Minter Andrew Garvin, Sr., 78, of Folkston, GA passed away on September 16, 2023.  The youngest of ten children, he was born in Macon, GA on November 4, 1944, to the late John Caulder and Anastacia McKenna Garvin.  He is a graduate of Mt. De Sales High School Class of 1963 in Macon, GA and the University of Georgia.  He served in the United States Army from July 1967 – July 1969, where he was assigned to the 3^rd Squadron 4^th Calvary 25^th Infantry Division at Cu Chi, South Vietnam.  Minter was awarded three Purple Heart awards for wounds suffered in combat and a Bronze Star with Valor for heroism in battle, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Star Service Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device and a Good Conduct Medal.   In 1978, the Navy selected St. Mary’s GA as its preferred site for an East Coast Trident Submarine Base, and in January 1979, Minter accepted the position of Director of Contracts to head up new construction for the development of the Naval Submarine Base, Kings Bay, GA where he worked until his retirement in October 1995.  He was awarded the Navy Superior Civilian Service Award.  He continued working as a contract consultant for several firms that were contracted by the Department of Defense to perform services on Federal installations.

Minter was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Folkston, GA.  Minter was also active in the community and served in the Folkston Jaycees, the Folkston Golf Association, Charlton County Youth Athletic Association, Charlton County Recreation Commission for eight years, and Charlton County Development Authority for five years.  He served as the Commander of the American Legion Post 130 for many years. He enjoyed fishing and camping on the St. Mary’s river, golfing, hunting, shrimping, playing on the men’s recreation softball team, and serving as a coach for youth football and baseball teams.  He was an avid Georgia Bulldog Football fan and was happy to see the dawgs win three national championships.  He was known for his love of Christmas, always going overboard in hanging Christmas lights and playing Christmas music all year long.  He passed on his love for Christmas to his children, Minter, and Jennifer, who have also been known to play Christmas music all year long as well.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by sisters:   Rita (Luther) Thigpen, Mary Alice (Jim)   Bruce and Patricia (Pete) Malkoff and brothers:   Johnny (Mary) Garvin, Mike Garvin and Pat Garvin.

He is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 56 years; Linda Louise Weeks Garvin, two children; Minter (Neccy) Garvin Jr. and Jennifer (Kevin) Hair; six grandchildren, Andrew (Beth) Garvin, Wyatt Garvin (Caitlyn Parker), Ashlyn Garvin, Kaitlyn (Anthony) Crosby, Kaylee (Wesley) Nettles, and Kaleb Hair, five great-grandchildren, Paisley, Kimbree, Kayden, Dansby and Chase.  Sisters:  Pauline (Tadg) O’Mahony, Louise (Mack) Peyton, McKenna (Sandy) Garvin, Sisters-in-Law:  Carolyn Garvin and Margaret Garvin, and Brother-in-Law:  Richard (Dot) Weeks, Jr., and many, many nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 7:00 PM followed by a rosary on Monday, September 25, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 700 Kingsland Drive, Folkston, GA .  A service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with FR Mariusz Fuks officiating.  Minter will be laid to rest with Military Honors at 2:30 PM at the Jacksonville National Cemetery on September 26, 2023, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Community Hospice and Palliative Care, Jane and Bill Warner Center for Caring, 1348 S. 18^th St., Bldg. B, Suite 101, Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardrobersonfh.com.    Funeral services are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, GA 31537.