Huggins and Minor Leave Lasting Legacies in South Carolina and North Carolina

Two men remembered for their Christian faith, service to others, and contributions to their communities have died in the Carolinas. John Henry Huggins, known as Jay, died on October 19, 2026, in connection with his life in Camden, South Carolina, while Lee Hammack Minor died on October 16, 2026, at Skyland Care Center in Sylva, North Carolina, with family by his side.

According to their published obituaries, Huggins was active in church ministry and known for helping others, while Minor spent decades teaching mathematics at Western Carolina University and supporting environmental conservation and animal welfare initiatives.

Huggins was born on August 13, 1967, in Hartsville, South Carolina. Despite experiencing numerous health problems throughout his life, he maintained a strong Christian faith and emphasized the importance of helping others through his experiences.

His obituary recorded a statement reflecting his perspective on illness and faith: "If what I am going through brings one person closer to Christ, then its worth it. So then what I go through is nothing in comparison to what Christ went through for me".

A member of Malvern Hill Baptist Church, Huggins served as a deacon and participated in children's ministry. He also worked at DuPont and regularly helped friends and others with practical tasks. His interests included fishing, hunting, golf, and following the Clemson Tigers football team.

Huggins is survived by his wife, Marty Ann Barkley Huggins; his mother, Emmie Sue Jordan Baird; sisters Suzanne Brownfield and Tina Rollins; brothers Tony Baird and Timmy Baird; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. His father, Bobby Baird, died before him.

Malvern Hill Baptist Church in Camden scheduled visitation for October 22, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service at 3 p.m. and burial in the church cemetery. The family requested that memorial donations go to the church's building fund.

Minor, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on June 1, 1943, built a career in mathematics after graduating as valedictorian of his high school class in Brinkley, Arkansas. He attended Hendrix College, where he played basketball and studied mathematics, before completing doctoral studies at Vanderbilt University.

Minor joined Western Carolina University's mathematics faculty in September 1968 and remained there until 2002. He later worked as a seasonal tax preparer at the H&R Block office in Sylva from 2002 through 2024, a role that provided professional relationships and community connections.

His obituary highlighted his analytical ability, exceptional memory, and skill in explaining complicated subjects clearly. Beyond university teaching, he delivered academic lectures, contributed articles related to mathematics, and held leadership and teaching positions at First Baptist Church in Sylva, where he was an active member for more than 40 years.

Minor's Christian faith began in childhood, when he accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior at age ten. At First Baptist Church, he served on the Board of Deacons and the Budget and Finance Committee and taught Sunday school.

His interest in national parks began with a summer job at Glacier National Park in 1965. The experience led to extensive travel and visits to more than 60 sites administered by the National Park Service, including repeated hikes into the Grand Canyon. His travels also encouraged landscape photography, environmental advocacy, and concern for the humane treatment of animals.

Minor supported conservation and community organizations, advised the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation for a period, and contributed to the refurbishment of Graveyard Fields, one of his favorite hiking destinations in western North Carolina. His obituary also noted his support for animal welfare organizations.

Minor is survived by his wife, Linda; her children, Tamara Kelly and Travis Turrentine; grandchildren Adam Kelly, Mary Kelly, Keaton Turrentine, and Salem Turrentine; his sister, Mary Beth Latimer; and several nieces, nephews, and their children. His grandson Isaac Kelly died before him.

Rather than a formal funeral, Minor requested a casual celebration of life following a Wednesday evening fellowship meal at First Baptist Church in Sylva, where attendees would be invited to share personal memories. His cremated remains are to be combined with those of his beloved dogs Happy, Sonny, and Casey before being scattered at his favorite scenic viewpoint in western North Carolina.

Memorial donations in Minor's honor may be directed to First Baptist Church of Sylva or the Humane Society of Jackson County. His obituary also thanked employees of Skyland Care Center and Four Seasons Hospice Care for their support during his final years.