Donald "Duck" Ferguson Mintz

Our precious, Donald “Duck” Ferguson Mintz passed away peacefully on August 5, 2023, surrounded by loving friends and family. Duck was 93 years old. He was born on April 15, 1930, in Rockmart, GA to Buddy and Lenora Mintz (predeceased). Duck remained in Rockmart until he moved to Marietta in 2019, at the age of 89, to be near family. Waiting for Duck’s arrival was his predeceased loving wife, Bettye Gurley Mintz, and grandson, Matthew Benjamin Dyas.

Duck was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to so many. Duck and his wife of 55 years, Bettye Gurley Mintz, raised two children: Candy Peacock (Derrick) and Mary Catherine Mintz-Holzman (Dave), and were loving grandparents to four grandchildren: Quinn Dyas (Katherine), Matthew Benjamin Dyas, Mary Catherine Gregory (Tripp), Bradley Peacock (Alexis). The light in Duck’s final days was his two great grandchildren, Easton Matthew Dyas and Mattie Monroe Gregory.

Duck was raised in Rockmart with his three siblings: Duane Mintz (predeceased), Stewart Mintz (Faye), Shirley Mintz Hansard. Duck’s friends are too numerous to list, but he had a special group that visited him regularly even after he moved to Marietta four years ago. Every Wednesday, the “boys” would come to visit: Charles “Ju” McCowan, Royce Turner, Keith Sorrells and Steve Wells. We are so very grateful for their long-lasting friendships.

Duck had a varied career: he served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, graduating from the prestigious United States Navy Diving program. He later retired from both the Rockmart Post Office and the Polk County School District.

Duck was passionate about his love of horses and dreamed of a life as a cowboy. One of his most memorable trips was a 7-day cattle drive to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Montana with Derrick, his son-in-law.

Please join us at Duck’s Memorial Service on Saturday, August 19th at 2:00pm at Seaborn Jones Park, downtown Rockmart. If using Waze, enter 217 W. Elm Street. To honor Duck’s love of the Wild West, we encourage you to wear your finest jeans, boots, and hats. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles McCowan, Steve Wells, Keith Sorrells, Royce Turner, Bob Gurley, and Wally Hanson. Joel Lanier, Director of Spiritual Care at Sterling Estates, West Cobb, will perform the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the American Legion Post 12, 1 Veteran Circle, Rockmart, GA 30153, or any charity of your choice.

Duck will be greatly missed by so many. His was a life well lived and well loved.

Alvis Miller & Son Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Donald “Duck” Ferguson Mintz.