March 17, 2011

Live and let live; Serve and Love; Think and let think. Dr. Emil Mialik used these words to guide his life.

Born in Passaic, N.J., he died March 17 at his home in Charlotte. His parents, Alexander and Rose Mialik, two brothers, George and Ernest preceded him.

Following graduation from Clifton High School in New Jersey, he entered the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS Guam, which engaged in the battle of Okinawa. His education varied: Stevens Institute of New Jersey, Hoboken, N.J.; graduate work at the University of Richmond; and Southeastern Seminary, Wake Forest, N.C., where he earned a Doctorate in Ministry.

Prior to his seminary training, he was employed at Western Electric in Greensboro, N.C., where development of the Nike Missile was underway. His 37 years in ministry included work with the Baptist Home Mission Board; Blandwood Baptist Church in Rocky Mount, N.C.; Great Fork Baptist Church in Suffolk, Va.; Leigh Street Baptist Church in Richmond, Va.; and Wedgewood Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C.

His interests were eclectic. In addition to philosophy and theology, he was talented in art, architecture and athletics.

The Bank of Virginia honored him in the late ‘60s by sponsoring his artwork. He gained recognition in Richmond and Charlotte as an outstanding softball pitcher. In Virginia, he designed and supervised construction of educational buildings for two different churches.

Survivors include his wife, Joan Ratcliffe Mialik; children, Deborah Cates, Richard Sidney Mialik and Barbara Fisher; sisters, Evelyn Novitsky and Florence Henry; one brother, Bernard Mialik; five grandchildren, Zac and Jordan Cates, Taylor Mialik, Audrey and Renee Fisher.

A time of remembering will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at Park Road Baptist Church. Special memories will be shared by colleagues in the ministry, Amy and Russ Dean, Chris Ayers, and friends and family.

Following the service, the family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall.

Those wishing to contribute a memorial may give donations to Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region or to a charity of their choice. The family expresses gratitude to all friends who contributed graciously to his care in the last months of his life.

Condolences may also be expressed at www.harryandbryantfuneralhome.com.