Thomas (Tom) Wayne Minor, Jr.
Columbiana

Thomas (Tom) Wayne Minor, Jr., 75, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, Dec. 4 in his home in Columbiana.

Tom was born to the late Thomas Minor, Sr., and Drucilla Brasher Minor, both lifelong residents of Columbiana, on Sept. 4, 1941.

Tom worked early in his career in accounting and general management positions, but obediently served in the ministry for over 40 years most recently as Pastor of South Shelby Baptist Church before he retired in 2012.

Tom was blessed with a large and loving family. Soon after an initial blind date, he married his best friend, Susan Maples, on Dec. 22, 1963 in Athens. They raised three children, Tim, Terry and Alice, and soon “Nana and Papa” as they became known were blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

From the very beginning, he dedicated his children and grandchildren to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the gospels. Brother Tom often said in his messages that “the greatest gift a child can have is a Godly parent” and as witnessed by his family he served that role faithfully.

Tom often said in what became known by his church members as “Minorisms” that “we are to be on fire for the Lord. Don’t back up, don’t back down. Keep the passion” which he did until the very end when the Lord called his good and faithful servant home to rest.

Tom will be cremated followed by a “Celebration Service”. The service will be held at South Shelby Baptist Church in Shelby on Saturday Dec. 10. There will be a fellowship time from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. for friends and family, followed by a celebration service from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to South Shelby Baptist Church’s Building Fund to continue the work that was important in Tom’s life. Contributions can be sent to South Shelby Baptist Church, 19140 AL-145, Shelby, AL 35143.