Billy "Bill" Joe Minter

Billy (Bill) Minter, born June 10th, 1934, in Draper, NC, passed away peacefully April 26th, 2025 at The Newport Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Newport News, VA. Bill remained as smart as they come given his almost 91 years of age. He would always have something wise to contribute to any topic being discussed and always ready to learn something new himself.

Bill graduated from Draper High School in Draper NC and went on to an apprenticeship program with Newport News Shipbuilding (HII) in Newport News, VA in 1952. After graduating from the pipefitting apprenticeship program in 1956, he continued his career with NNS as a pipefitter and piping inspector for 44 years until his retirement in 1996.

Bill had a competitive side to him. In his free time and younger years, he bowled in leagues and played golf (about every weekend), but never failed to bring his children home a treat when done…Krispy Kreme donuts! He humbled himself in those efforts as he did not feel he was quite good enough. In the eyes of his wife and children, however, he was a pro and could not fail. Bill also had other interests such as NASCAR and NFL Football. He had several favorites throughout the years and turned grumpy if they did not win. That was the competitor coming out of him. He later found himself interested in the computer. He began chronicling historical events within Draper, NC (now known as Eden, NC), Leaksville, NC and Spray, NC. He was a member of several computer forums and contributed his findings regularly. He was a member of the “Find a Grave” app creating many memorials and tracing the family tree up to five generations. Another interest was his Draper High School yearbooks. He collected them and often referred back to them when researching anything that put him back in high school. He was an avid reader as well, until his eyesight started to fail him. Mostly, non-fiction was his go-to reads.

Bill is preceded in death by his father George Minter, his mother Leva Hyler Smith, his beloved wife of over 50 years, Mary (Bernice) Hammock Minter, his son Billy Minter, Jr. and daughter Mary Ball; brother, Wayne Minter; and sister, Wanda Jennings Smith. He is survived by his sons, Alan Minter (Sharon) and Gregory Minter, daughter Gail Lambries and several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Dean Minter (Maxine) and Steve Smith (Julie).

Bill was a self-proclaimed loner, his kind, gentle and loving soul is now at peace and among those who love him. Those he has left behind know he will continue a watchful eye over us. Rest in Heaven. You are forever loved and missed.

The Minter family would like to thank the physician, nursing, therapy and administration staff of the Newport nursing facility and the VHS Hospice workers for all of the gentle and kind care provided to Bill during his residency there. Your kind, specialized efforts were heart warming and greatly appreciated.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.