Gary Vincent Minor

Gary Vincent Minor was born to the union of the late Clyde Minor and Ruth Elizabeth Ford Henson on October 28, 1935 in Gallagher Hospital (DC General Hospital) in Washington, DC. Early on in life, he was given the nickname “Socks” because he often walked around with only one sock. He was raised in Southwest Washington, DC. He attended Anthony Bowen Elementary School, Randall Junior High School and Armstrong Technical High School. As a young child, Gary had a fascination with airplanes. When schools were still segregated, he had come to the conclusion that the closest he would ever get to an airplane were the pictures in a book. However, in 1952 when he was in the 12th grade, he entered the Air Force at age 17. Gary earned very high scores on the ASVAB exam reflected a high proficiency in the areas of math, electronics and mechanical comprehension. His father signed for him to enter the service because he was not yet 18. Gary admired the Air Force’s pretty blue uniform which he said all the girls liked. In 1953, he completed his technical training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. He was the only African-American in his class. He overcame discrimination from other airmen who called him “boy” and voiced their skepticism about his abilities in the recently integrated Armed Forces. Never one to give up, he prevailed to become one of the few African-American aircraft mechanics in the Air Force during that era. In 1954, during his service career, Gary married his longtime love, Theresa Yvonne Worrell. Together they raised three children. In 1960, when his second son was born, he faced his most challenging, yet most memorable service experience when he was stationed in Saudi Arabia. In Saudi Arabia, during the Korean War era, he served as a crew chief and supervisor directing other military and civilian personnel on the “flight line”; many from various ethnicities and backgrounds including Italians, Ethiopians, Saudis and American GI’s. After eight dedicated years, Gary was honorably discharged from the Air Force. Gary continued his career as a civilian at Andrews Air Force Base where he worked for many years in aircraft mechanics. If a plan flew overhead, he could easily tell you the type of aircraft, the year it was made and the engine it contained. In 1977, he began his employment with the District of Columbia Public School System as a trade and industrial arts teacher at Anacostia Senior High School. He also spent time assisting with after-school activities often working the door at football games and school dances. He was highly regarded by staff and students alike. Often, Gary would come across former students in the community who thanked him for being a teacher with high expectations. He was concerned about his students’ abilities to perform in the real world. His work philosophy was, “To get out there and do your best!” Gary retired in 1993 after 17 years of dedicated service to the District of Columbia Public School system. In retirement, Gary developed an interest in parakeets. He nurtured and cared for the same trio of birds for over five years. He also enjoyed reading the newspaper and was very informed on world events and happenings. He loved to play Madden Football on his PlayStation and accessorize his truck, known as “Jet Red”. He also had an admirable collection of jazz and contemporary music. He was a kind and thoughtful neighbor who often used his snow plow to clear his neighbors’ sidewalks after winter storms. Gary loved to tell stories. He was light-hearted, comical, witty and kind. He was also a considerate, thoughtful and firm, but understanding father. Fondly, he leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Theresa, children, Steven (Marilyn), Michael (Donna), Desiree, four grandchildren, Jason (Miriam), Michelle, Zachary and Christopher, three great-grandchildren, Heaven, Javen and Ari, two sisters-in-law, Vashti Love, Mary Worrell, one brother-in-law, Leroy Watkins and many nieces, nephews, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

Tributes

Gary Vincent Minor

October 28, 1935 - April 14, 2011