Ernest Mines Obituary
Ernest Gray "Pete" Mines, 74, husband of Frances P. Mines of Briarwood Circle, Staunton, died Monday, September 15, 2008, in Fishersville.
He was born May 21, 1934, in Bath County, a son of the late John and Madeline Mines.
CSM (Retired) Mines was a member of Olivet Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Augusta County Lions Club. He was retired from the United States Army. A Vietnam Veteran, his awards included the Distinguished Service Cross, Bronze Star with Valor, Air Medal Purple Heart, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
For the past 20 years, he was the caretaker of the Staunton National Cemetery. A graduate of Mary Baldwin College, he served as a teacher in the Augusta County School System.
In addition to his wife, family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Colonel Pete and Elizabeth Mines of Fayetteville, North Carolina; two daughters and sons-in-law, Robin and Colonel (Retired) Edward Hevener of Lake Gaston and Kitty and Robin Saunders of Hot Springs; a sister, Lucille Swink of Hot Springs; 11 grand-children; four great- grand-children; and a number of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a brother, George Mines and a sister, Connie Folks.
A funeral service will be conducted 3 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2008, at Olivet Presbyterian Church by the Reverend Jack Wilkers, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at the Staunton National Cemetery.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Staunton/ Augusta County S.P.C.A., P. O. Box 2014, Staunton, VA 24402.
Henry Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net.
This obituary was originally published in the News Virginian.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ray Marcantoni
September 15, 2020
A true American patriot and hero, with a great sense of humor and love of country. A man of honor. I am privileged to have learned from him. RIP soldier.
Nick Syropoulos
September 12, 2019
I have more than one memory of SFC. Mines. Of course first at AMA, as professor of military science for two terms. But I will relate an after school story. I was a new butter bar 2nd Lt. Armor Officer assigned to 3rd Infantry Division, Fed. Rep.of Germany. 3 ID Hq was in Wurzburg. I went to report at HQ. For duty assignment.
Passing down HQ hallway to S1 to report. I see Command Sgt.Major E.G.Mines on the door jam. Looking in I see CMSgt. Mines. I knock he shouts to enter then looks up to see me. Snapping at attention quicker than a jack rabbit he rises to salute, me!! Army tradition is new Officer giving a silver dollar to the first NCO to salute him. I kept a lucky silver coin which he got, tell him. CSM Mines you are most deserving person I know who had a big hand in my being there. Im in tears now on this so I need to stop next year the lesson on telephone wires.
ROGER JENSEN
January 15, 2019
Sgt. Mines, Thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for your dedication to the cadets of AMA. I have fond memories of your wit and humor in our ROTC classes. You had a positive influence on my life and I think of you often. Rest in peace and GOD bless. Roger Jensen AMA 69
Steve Bailey AMA 67'
September 21, 2008
Sgt. Mines and Family
I would like to "ditto" all the remarks above. You set a fine example of an honorable gentleman to a lot of young men at AMA. I can't help but wonder if your family knows how many young men's lives you touched in a positive manner. Rest in Peace.
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Willis Walker
September 21, 2008
Sgt Mines I salute you Sir for your time and your patients with all of us the Cadets of AMA. You will for ever be in our harts and thoughts for ever
God Bless You and Keep you.
Willis Walker 71
Douglas Pennock
September 20, 2008
I spent 6 years at AMA. In that space of time, I was transformed from a trouble making 12 year old to a confident 18 year old leader of 400 plus cadets. I count Sgt. Ernie Mines as one of the influences in the dramatic turnaround in my attitude and character.
We that knew him and were taught and touched by him are better human beings because of him. I can think of no finer tribute to a bestow on a fallen teacher.
Rest in peace sir. I salute you!
Douglas W. Pennock, AMA '72
Ray Marcantoni
September 20, 2008
Sergeant Mines,
I have fond memories of how tough a solider you were, yet you were kind and had an incredible sense of humor. You had a wonderful influence on me and I still laugh every time I think about standing at attention while you were inspecting the troops. Always entertaining. I am privileged to have known you. You were a very special human and an exceptional Solider. God Bless you
Bill Scarborough
September 19, 2008
CSM Mines, Thank you, for being you. You've spent a lifetime being a mentor, a hero, a husband, and I bet an awesome Dad, you filled that void for alot of young men in your lifetime!
I salute you sir!
Bill Scarborough
USN 70-74
AMA 66-69
Mount Joy, PA
Jorge Rovirosa
September 19, 2008
It is a sad day today for those former cadets of Augusta Military Academy who had the privilege of having known and having been students of Sergeant Ernie Mines. He was a wonderful human being who loved his country and provided us young cadets with invaluable lessons in leadership and life. Today I join the rest of my fellow AMA brothers in saluting a great American, a great teacher, and a wonderful human being. Taps…….Jorge Rovirosa AMA Class of 1970
Garry Granger
September 19, 2008
CSM Mines - Your influnce on the lives of so many young men at AMA will live forever. You taught me discipline and self respect. You taught me pride and honor. Even today...37 years since we last spoke, I hear your words of wisdom and encouragement. Thank you and God Bless you CSM Mines...you've left a legacy that will be remembered forever.
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