George Louis Mina

George was born August 20, 1940 in Paterson, NJ, to the late Charles and Anna Marie Mina. After graduation from Park Ridge High school, he attended Stevens Institute of Technology. He was a member of Chi Psi fraternity and played lacrosse. He continued his graduate education at Stevens, earning his Masters and Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry.

George and his family moved to Anderson in 1974. After a few years working privately as a chemist, he spent approximately 20 years at Ethyl Corporation in Orangeburg, SC. During that time he secured 10 patents for his work on improvements in efficiency for chemical processes. He returned to Anderson after his retirement.

Throughout his life, George pursued his hobbies with fervor and precision. He would pursue a singular interest for several years and then move to something else when he felt he had accomplished all he wanted to do. His wide variation of interests included knife making, writing, collecting works of his favorite science fiction author Jack Vance, gardening, and bonsai. However, his greatest passion and enduring interest was the water. Whether it be ocean, lake, or river, he always felt at home there. He passed his knowledge and enthusiasm for canoeing, fishing, camping, and white water kayaking to his brothers and sons.

George is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Myrna (Abbondi) Mina, brothers Charles (wife Judy) and John (wife Tara), sister Marie Lawlor, sons Chris (partner Julie) and Al (wife Christie), grandson Julian (wife Sarah), and great granddaughter Blakely.

Services will be provided by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1 Pine Knoll Drive, Greenville, SC 29609 on Sunday, December 15. Visitation begins at 1 PM, service at 2 PM, graveside to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Covenant House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children experiencing homelessness: http://www.covenanthouse.org/