Tupelo - Harold Franklin McMinn, 76, died Sunday, April 14, 2013 at his home after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 15, 1936 in Weir to Charles Preston and Ethel Nason McMinn. He enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 17 and served for over 20 years as a jet engine mechanic and instructor. He was stationed in North Africa, Vietnam and Thailand before retiring in 1973. He had lived in Texas for many years before returning home to Mississippi in 2005. He attended Tupelo Church of God. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed woodworking, carpentry and tinkering in his shop.

Services will be 10 AM Tuesday at Lee Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. David Laman and Bro. Jack Ezell officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Lee Memorial Park. Lee Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his children, Shirley Gail Collier of Eupora and Gene Franklin McMinn of Tupelo; two grandchildren, Nathan Collier of Eupora and Kelsey Smith of Birmingham, AL; his sweetheart and companion Patricia Ranguette of Myrtle; three sisters, Allie Busby of Ackerman, Dean Coker of San Antonio, TX and Peggy Ann Ming (Glennis) of Ackerman; two brothers, William Boyce McMinn (Carol) of Ackerman and Joe Crumption McMinn (Melva) of San Antonio, TX; a special caregiver Michelle Sparks of Tupelo and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Gladys Lorene McMinn and Janie Ashworth; three brothers, Charles McMinn (Junnie), Jimmie Boyd McMinn and Carl Purvis McMinn.

Pallbearers will be the Columbus Air Force Base Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5 - 7 Monday.