Minter Cleary

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Minter Cleary, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2025 at the age of 102, 10 months and 3 days. A true testament to a life well-lived, Minter’s days were marked by kindness, Christian humility, and a joy that touched everyone lucky enough to know him.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Hinshaw Street Baptist Church with Rev. Steve Snipes officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:45 PM prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park.

He was born at home on June 22,1922, in the Austin community of Wilkes County in the shadow of Stone Mtn to David Malcolm and Fannie Bowers Cleary. He was the eighth child with his first sibling born in 1905. His dad, Malcolm, was born in 1880, and his mom, Fannie, in 1885.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 70 years, Mattie Nell Ferguson Cleary; sister, Grace Cleary Taylor; seven brothers, Garr Cleary, Barney Cleary, Alonzo Cleary, Lestus Cleary, Granville Cleary, David Cleary and Burr Cleary.

He is survived by daughter, Denise Davenport and husband Greg of North Wilkesboro; son, Terry Cleary and wife Debbie of Wilkesboro; three grandchildren, Winston Davenport (Ashley) of Asheville, Trent Cleary (Samantha-Kate) of Raleigh, Ellen Dayton (Jimmy) of Garner; great grandchild, Carter Minter Dayton and sister, Doreen Pendry of Rural Hall.

Minter was also the definition of a hard worker. After graduating from Trap Hill High School in 1939, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working for six months in Utah and sending most of his earnings back home to his parents. He made $30 a month, sending $25 of that back home to support his family during the Great Depression. During World War II, he served his country by working in the shipyard in Wilmington, NC for 5+ years. During this time, Minter was proud to be able to buy his parents, who were sharecroppers, their first small home in the Hays community in Wilkes County. Following the war, Minter worked various jobs before starting his long and dedicated career as a bread man, a job he held proudly for over 35 years. Even in retirement, he couldn’t sit still. He delivered flowers for City Florist, worked at the North Wilkesboro Speedway, Fosters Hardware, and Fenders Superette, and helped out at Terry’s company, MSG. His favorite retirement job, though, was working at the Kilby Flea Market — fondly known as the Cattle Sale — where he greeted friends and customers until he was 99 years old.

Above all, Minter loved the Lord, his church, and his family. Even when he worked long days on the bread route, he still made it a priority to attend Wednesday and Sunday services at Hinshaw Street Baptist Church. His pride and joy were truly his children, grandchildren, and great grandson, Carter Minter, who he was overjoyed to find out had his namesake.

Born in a different time but with a timeless heart, Minter had a gift for finding the good in every moment. He never complained, no matter the circumstances. Instead, he greeted each friend with a warm smile and his favorite saying “You made my day better.”

The family requests no food or flowers please.

Memorials may be made to Hinshaw Street Baptist Church, PO Box 396, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 or Wilkes ADAP, PO Box 968, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

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