Charles Minick

Charles "Pops" Minick
SUFFIELD TOWNSHIP-An amazing husband and proud father was called home on Thursday, July 12, 2012. Pops was born in Rockwood, Rhea County Tennessee on March 31, 1951 to parents Charles C. (deceased) and the former Wanda Gibson.
Living nearly all of his life in Suffield, Pops graduated from Field High School in 1969 where he was a member of the High school wrestling team. While at Field, Pops forged many life long friends. Among his best are Becky Bragg and Lyn Worley.
Together since the ages of 14 and 16, Pops married the love of his life, Susan Rife, on October 16, 1971. Their 40 + year union produced three children; Tangela, Christopher, and Holly, whom they selflessly raised and unconditionally love. As their own babies grew up and began to leave the nest, Pops and Sue became licensed foster parents, eventually welcoming seven new daughters into their loving fold.
In 1996 Pops and Sue were named Foster Parents of the Year. The film "More than Chance" is loosely based on their journey.
Employed by Goodyear Tire and Rubber at the age of 18 as an electrician, Pops retired in 2009 with 40 years of service. While working full-time Pops attended Akron and Kent State Universities where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, with a math minor, graduating Cum Laude. He later earned a Master of Education degree in secondary administration.
Having never learned the definition of the word "relax", Pops very actively and generously volunteered his time, skills, and knowledge to many different families, churches, and local organizations. Among some of these were The American Red Cross, Hurricane Hugo Relief, 9/11 ground zero efforts, Hurricane Katrina Relief, and building /repairing homes/churches on New Mexican Indian reservations.
Pops was a skilled craftsman, auto body expert, member of Mensa, a Free Mason, and a torch bearer for the 1996 Olympics. Pops' greatest joys were his 9 grandchildren. He could always be found, front and center, at any of their events, their loudest and proudest supporter. He will live in their minds and hearts forever. Pops' legacy will not only live on through the lives of his own children and grandchildren, but through all those he encouraged and inspired during his 30+ years as a wrestling coach. Pops lived and breathed wrestling. He taught us all what it meant to be part of a truly great team.
Preceded in death by his father, Pops is survived by his adoring wife Susan; daughter and son-in-law Tangela and Steven Smith (Alex, Nate), son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Michelle Minick (Johnny, Tori, Joey), daughter and son-in-law Holly and Stan Wierzbicki (Tyler, Trevor, Adison), daughters Amanda (Elijiah), Jamie, Miranda, Harley, Kelsey, Molly, and Savanna; mother, Wanda Dennisson (Jim Beavers); sisters Debbie and Judy; brothers Jack and Jay; stepmother Mary Minick; stepsister Cher Sypherd; father and mother-in-law Jupe and Helen Rife; sister-in-law Patty; brothers-in-law Charles and Bob; numerous close friends, and an expansive wrestling family.

God took the strength of a mountain
The majesty of a tree
The warmth of a summer sun
The Calm of a quiet sea
The generous soul of nature
The comforting arm of night
The wisdom of the ages
The power of the eagle's flight
Then god combined these qualities
There was nothing more to add
His masterpiece was now complete,
He lovingly called it "Dad".

Dearest Dad: You were the center of our world. We will continue to love you, honor you, and hold you close for all of our days. We will see you when we get there. Until then, "Morning Glory, Evening Star".
Family and friends may call on Monday, July 16 from 4-8 p.m. at NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, 131 N. Canton Rd., Akron. A private funeral service will be held on a following date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Charles "Pops" Minick Memorial Fund at any First Merit Branch. Funds collected will be used to assist disadvantaged young athletes to be part of a "TEAM".