Obituary of William Ray Minter, Jr.

William "Ray" Minter, Jr., 50 of Moneta, a gentle soul, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 21, 2016 after a prolonged battle with cancer. Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Robin Leigh Minter and children, Clinton Minter, Ciara Minter Newman & husband, Mathew; Justin Nelson and Brittany Nelson; his parents, William Ray Minter, Sr. & Rose Marie Creasey Minter, sister Joy Minter Barlow & husband, Brian; niece Abbey Rose Barlow and grandchildren, Brantley Hartless & Paisley Rayne Minter. Ray's enjoyment in life spending time on the front porch of his home with family and friends catching up on the latest news. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, riding his jet ski on the lake and pursuing his passion of drag racing his car on the weekends. He was thankful for his many friends and a special thank you to his close friends, Paul Roach, Jr. and Billy "Cowboy" Smithers. Ray took pride in working with his wife developing and operating restaurants in Roanoke and Moneta, even enjoying Saturday evening disco parties. Although challenged in his life multiple times with cancer, he learned to appreciate the simple pleasures of life that are so often overlooked. He will be missed by all those whose lives his path has crossed. we will miss you and cherish your time spent with us in this life. You are loved by your family and friends. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 11 AM at Diamond Hill Baptist Church with Pastor Monroe Baldwin officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery as well as a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 3 until 5 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.