Hugh Minefee, Arizona Southern Baptist minister, leaves a legacy of love

Hugh Minefee, retired Arizona Southern Baptist pastor and director of missions, passed away in his home on Sept. 6, 2024, at the age of 80.

Friends, family, and church members celebrated his life during a memorial service on Sept. 13 at their home church, Central Heights Baptist in Globe. The Minefees’ grandson, Pastor Dylan Minefee, officiated the service.

Minefee grew up in the Miami-Globe area of Arizona. His great desire to attend seminary took him to Texas, where he led First Baptist Church of Caddo Mills while enrolled in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth.

Minefee served God as pastor of at least six churches over 40 years, both in Texas and Arizona, including Valley Southern in Mesa, Desert View in Winslow and churches in the Miami-Globe area. The last church he pastored was Trinity Baptist Church in Globe. He served there twice, from 1992-1994 and 2009-2012 when he retired.

He was director of missions for San Carlos Baptist Association for four years, 1995-1999.

“He was such a loving man and pastor,” said Joy Minefee, Hugh’s wife of 60 years. “Our family was always important to both of us. He loved all the people in our churches. And they loved him. He was known for his love and encouragement to church members and leaders.”

“Even though it’s been quite some time since he pastored a church, Hugh and Joy became an instrumental part of our church family,” said Robert Craig, pastor of Central Heights Baptist Church, “Everyone knew him, and his impact is clear and lasting. He was a dear brother and came alongside me and the church. People from all the churches he pastored in the Miami-Globe attended his memorial service.”

Minefee took immense pleasure in raising exotic birds. He built a large aviary in the yard and spent many hours enjoying their presence.

Minefee is survived by his wife, Joy, and their three daughters: Tami Ragan (Randy), Tari Kirby (David) and Traci Dale; six grandchildren; and siblings Jackie Saldana, Judy Williamson and Gary Minefee.

Irene A. Harkleroad, a freelance writer living in Carefree, is a member of Black Mountain Baptist Church, Cave Creek.