S. William Minnich, 84, of South Whitehall, died Dec. 30, 2015, at his home.

He was the husband of the late Gloria C. (Dorschutz) Minnich.

Born Oct. 7, 1931, in Allentown, he was the son of the late Samuel Foelker and Helen Memory Tifft.

He was a member of Asbury United Methodist Church, South Whitehall.

An active member of APICS, he was a logistics materials manager at Koh-I-Noor, in Bloomsbury, N.J. before retiring.

Prior to that, he worked at Martin Guitar, Nazareth, and Air Products and Chemicals, Trexlertown.

When his work took him abroad, he immersed himself in history and culture.

After retirement, he continued to travel with his wife until her health failed.

He devoted his time to her care until she died in 2011.

The man known to his family as “Sir,” was an estimable man, who nurtured his loved ones.

His small backyard was a peaceful haven for the local birds.

A lifelong Phillies and Eagles fan, he was a member of the Senior League at Willowbrook Golf Club, Catasauqua, where he enjoyed playing with all the other “grey heads.”

At home he loved to listen to classical music and was an avid reader.

He was a living encyclopedia of history and a gifted storyteller.

With a sparkle in his eye and a gesture of his hand, he would entertain and enlighten family for hours.

Ultimately, he was an honorable man who lived his life on his own terms.

An honest man

here lies at rest,

As e’er God with His image blest:

The friend of man, the friend of truth;

The friend of age, and guide of youth:

Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,

Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:

If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;

If there is none, he made the best of this.

Robert Burns, Epitaph on my own Friend

His survivors include children Scott W. and his wife, Ronda, of Pittsburgh, Christine C. Minnich and her husband, Terry Greber, of Chalfont, Gale A. Minnich-Blewis and her husband, Robert Blewis of Annandale, Va., S. Wesley Minnich and his wife, Debra, of Slatington; siblings Jerry A. Minnich of Wisconsin, Jane M. Preisman of Florida; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a stepbrother, Glenn Wild.

His memorial service will take place 11 a.m. on Jan. 7, 2016, in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Eric S. Yeakel officiating.

Family and friends may pay their respects 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at heintzelmancares.com.