Stephen Tate Minnick (Steve) lived a life defined by compassion, service, and unwavering commitment to the people and communities he loved. Charismatic, passionate, and deeply caring, Steve embodied what it means to be a good human being. He believed in showing up for others, leading with integrity, and using his life experiences to make the world a better place.
Steve was a long-time and devoted member of the Black Mountain community. He gave generously of his time and energy, serving in numerous roles, including Elder at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, coach of his son’s baseball team, and participant in many local organizations and initiatives. His presence was steady and encouraging, and his leadership was grounded in humility and service.
One of the most defining aspects of Steve’s life was his lifelong experience with polio. He contracted paralytic polio at just 10 months old, an illness that shaped his physical challenges but never limited his spirit. Each summer until the age of 18, Steve traveled to Warm Springs, Georgia, where he underwent surgeries and learned to walk. Over the course of his life, he endured 22 surgeries—most related to polio—and later faced the effects of Post-Polio Syndrome, diagnosed in 1985. Despite increasing physical limitations, including losing the ability to walk and retiring early in 2010, Steve remained actively engaged, optimistic, and deeply committed to others.
Steve spoke openly and courageously about his experience, especially when advocating for childhood vaccinations. In his own words, he shared his story not for sympathy, but to educate and protect others. He urged parents to vaccinate their children, emphasizing that preventable diseases like polio still exist and can permanently alter lives. His message was heartfelt and clear: protect children from suffering that can be avoided.
Steve passed away at Spartanburg Regional Hospital as a result of a brain bleed at age 77. He was born in Florida and lived in many places throughout his life, including time in Europe, before spending many productive and meaningful years in Black Mountain. Regardless of where he lived, Steve built community wherever he went.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Vining Minnick; his brother, Ted Minnick; his daughter, Beverly Bradshaw; and his son, David Minnick. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lela Minnick; his parents, Lt. Col. Harold Minnick and Maie Newland Minnick; and his sister, Molly Minnick.
Steve will be remembered with deep respect, gratitude, and love. His life stands as a testament to perseverance, compassion, and the power of using one’s story to uplift and protect others.
Poem for Steve: Today a Man
Dear Steve, the years have swiftly flown-
Since Mai had you, and I had mine
When together we stayed at Tyndall Base
While Jim forecast and Hal was flyin'.
And from that time we've felt so close
To each of you - the Minnick Clan.
We've watched you grow in body and mind
Until at last you're now a man.
We've cheered your courage - it took a lot
To hold you up when things got rough,
Admired your spirit, your will to win:
Character fiber that was so tough.
Your cheerful grin to hide your heart,
The excellent mind you've used so well,
The leadership you've shown at school -
Things added too numerous to tell.
Because of courage, you've come this far
To prove to anybody that he can
Take hard knocks as well as fun,
And yet stand tall and be a man.
Aunt Keith McDaniel
June 1966
Steve was a long-time and devoted member of the Black Mountain community. He gave generously of his time and energy, serving in numerous roles, including Elder at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, coach of his son’s baseball team, and participant in many local organizations and initiatives. His presence was steady and encouraging, and his leadership was grounded in humility and service.
One of the most defining aspects of Steve’s life was his lifelong experience with polio. He contracted paralytic polio at just 10 months old, an illness that shaped his physical challenges but never limited his spirit. Each summer until the age of 18, Steve traveled to Warm Springs, Georgia, where he underwent surgeries and learned to walk. Over the course of his life, he endured 22 surgeries—most related to polio—and later faced the effects of Post-Polio Syndrome, diagnosed in 1985. Despite increasing physical limitations, including losing the ability to walk and retiring early in 2010, Steve remained actively engaged, optimistic, and deeply committed to others.
Steve spoke openly and courageously about his experience, especially when advocating for childhood vaccinations. In his own words, he shared his story not for sympathy, but to educate and protect others. He urged parents to vaccinate their children, emphasizing that preventable diseases like polio still exist and can permanently alter lives. His message was heartfelt and clear: protect children from suffering that can be avoided.
Steve passed away at Spartanburg Regional Hospital as a result of a brain bleed at age 77. He was born in Florida and lived in many places throughout his life, including time in Europe, before spending many productive and meaningful years in Black Mountain. Regardless of where he lived, Steve built community wherever he went.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Vining Minnick; his brother, Ted Minnick; his daughter, Beverly Bradshaw; and his son, David Minnick. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lela Minnick; his parents, Lt. Col. Harold Minnick and Maie Newland Minnick; and his sister, Molly Minnick.
Steve will be remembered with deep respect, gratitude, and love. His life stands as a testament to perseverance, compassion, and the power of using one’s story to uplift and protect others.
Poem for Steve: Today a Man
Dear Steve, the years have swiftly flown-
Since Mai had you, and I had mine
When together we stayed at Tyndall Base
While Jim forecast and Hal was flyin'.
And from that time we've felt so close
To each of you - the Minnick Clan.
We've watched you grow in body and mind
Until at last you're now a man.
We've cheered your courage - it took a lot
To hold you up when things got rough,
Admired your spirit, your will to win:
Character fiber that was so tough.
Your cheerful grin to hide your heart,
The excellent mind you've used so well,
The leadership you've shown at school -
Things added too numerous to tell.
Because of courage, you've come this far
To prove to anybody that he can
Take hard knocks as well as fun,
And yet stand tall and be a man.
Aunt Keith McDaniel
June 1966
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