William C. Minzter

Cochran McDaniel Funeral Home announces the passing of Mr. William C. Mintzer, 89, of Hiawassee, GA. He was born on November 25th, 1935. 

William proudly served in the U.S. Army for over 22 years. He achieved the rank of 1st Sgt. Over the course of those two decades, including two tours in Vietnam, he earned many decorations, medals, and commendations, including Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, RVN Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. Following his military career, William owned and operated his own business for many years.  

William is survived by his wife of 24 years, Janice Mintzer.

He will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, on Thursday, February 13th, 2025 at 1:00 pm.

Just A Common Soldier

By A. Lawrence Vaincourt

He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast. 

We’ll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,

 And the world’s a little poorer, for a soldier dies today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his wife and family,

For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.

Held a job and raised a family, quietly going his own way.

And the world won’t note his passing, though a soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,

While thousands note their passing and proclaim that they were great.

Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young.

But the passing of a soldier goes unnoticed and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land,

A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?

Or the ordinary fellow who, in times of war and strife,

Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

It’s so easy to forget them for it was so long ago,

That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know.

It was not the politician with his ever-shifting stand?

Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend.

His home, his kin, and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,

But his presence should remind us we may need his like again,

For when countries are in conflict, then we find the soldier’s part,

Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he’s here to hear the praise,

Then at least let’s give him homage at the ending of his days,

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.