Orvis Minnifield

Orvis, or "Lee" to his many friends, was called home on January 10, 2023; 17 days shy of his 69th birthday, January 27th. He was born to the late Albert Haley and Autra Lee Minnifield; Lovingly raised by the late Herbert Minnifield of Ruston, LA. Orvis grew up in Center, TX but moved to Oakland, CA to avoid the negative impacts of being an outspoken black male in the rural south. Before graduating high school, he joined the United States Navy on the USS Coral Sea and received a national defense service medal. Unfortunately, the tragic death of his mother affected him in a devastating way and he lost his way until he was incarcerated as a very young man. But Orvis was a born fighter and his story does not end there because he kept trying!

In a classic story of turning tragedy to triumph, Orvis used his strong will to finish his GED and an associates degree in automotive mechanics engineering from LIT Auto Technology. He returned to The Lord and preached The Gospel in prison and even more as a redeemer man upon his release. He joined New Hope Primitive Baptist Church where he was ordained as a Deacon. He was adopted into a local Austin family that gave him the love and support to start his own business, and obtain necessary resources. "Lee" was many things, but he was nothing more than he was loved. The joy of his heart was being reunited with his children and he lived his latter years recapturing moments in theirs and his grandchildren's lives...He was a proud papa. No one had a negative word so great was the impact he left on all who knew him.

Orvis is survived by his five children, Kindra Derouen (Gerald), Autra Minnifield, Melvin Minnifield, Catrina Jackson (Bernard) and Chadrick Minnifield (Vernessa); his beautiful grandchildren, Arianna, Melvin Jr., Dana, Rachel, Lydia, Kheri, Karmalita, Jeremiah, Caleb, Noah, and Madison and two great-grandchildren, Nijai and Larriah. He is joined in homegoing with his brothers Prentice (2023) and survived by his brothers Stevy (Juanita), Pervis, David, Michael, Bradford Jr. (Vicky) and Willie Ray (Vivian); and a host more brothers, sisters, and other family and friends than we can name.