Paul Charles Mingee Jr. passed away on Sunday, 12 August 2018, at the young age of 65 after an 8-year battle brought on by e coli tainted salad. ‘You never know’. As he did throughout his life, Paul lived those last years on his own terms: fiercely independent and marching to his own drumbeat.
Paul, Pablo, Paul Charles, Charlito, and even The Frito Bandito are just a few of the names given to him by friends and family. Paul grew up in Phoebus terrorizing the streets on his Schwinn bike and later in his VW bug with the mag wheels, dual exhaust and Black Sabbath cranked up on the 8-track. He had many jobs throughout his life but most enjoyed his 20 years with NCIS helping round up the bad guys. And Paul had many hobbies that he pursued with passion, all of which involved some cool toy every man would envy. Horses, boats, trailers, buggies, tractors, guns, and trucks, trucks, trucks! So, no, he wasn’t married. On any day off he could be found enjoying the outdoors by taking his boat out fishing, riding his tractor around his farm, competing in cowboy action shooting, or trotting along on one of his beloved horses with his many friends in the horse community. And of course he would be wearing his signature black jeans, white t-shirt, boots, a long black mustache and that unforgettable black cowboy hat.
Though Paul could charm most ladies with his irreverent humor and wit, it wasn’t until later in life that he met his 2 true loves, his poodle puppies, Rachel and Bridgette. A more doting doggie daddy there has never been. Go figure.
Paul was not much into ceremony so there won’t be a service. If you’d like to pay your respects though then take a moment to hang out with your favorite pet or go fishing or crabbing or jump on a tractor and bush hog a field or just do something you really love. Just remember Paul’s motto, “Don’t worry for the Moray eel, let the Moray eel worry for you!” Ride on, Paul, ride on. You will be missed.