December 20, 1926 – January 8, 2024
KITTY HAWK — Robert Octavius Minter, Jr. of Kitty Hawk, NC passed away peacefully on January 8, 2024, at 97 years of age.
Known to his family and friends as Bobby, Robert was a native of Martinsville, Virginia. He graduated early from Martinsville High School in 1943, at age 15. Being too young to be accepted at Annapolis, he completed a Naval Academy Preparatory Course at Severn School and earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in the class of 1949. While attending the Academy, Robert was a member of the varsity golf team. Upon graduation, he remained at Annapolis temporarily as an instructor in the Department of Seamanship and Navigation. Prior to his assignment in the fleet, he married the love of his life, Catherine Ann Goode on June 6, 1949. Robert served in the United States Navy until 1954, promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade. He was a veteran of the Korean War, participating in the Incheon Invasion. Upon completion of the war, he transitioned to the Naval Reserve.
Following his service, Robert and Ann moved back to Martinsville to raise their family. Robert joined Martinsville Novelty Corporation, where he spent the next 40 years of his professional life. During that time, he served as Secretary, First Vice-President, and President of the corporation. In addition, Robert was on the Mayor’s Commission on Human Values and a Chairman of the local Red Cross Chapter. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Martinsville and also served on their Board. He was a member and director at Chatmoss Country Club, where during his leisure time, he continued to enjoy the game of golf.
Upon retirement, Robert and Ann moved to the Outer Banks to be closer to their family. Relocating to the beach gave him the opportunity to fulfill his passions for family, friends, fishing, shelling, and golf. While living in Kitty Hawk, NC, Robert worked part-time at TW’s Bait and Tackle, which he called his dream job, as this introduced him to several of his favorite fishing spots. He and Ann also became members of Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church.
Robert is survived by his daughters, Pamela Minter Melson (Butch) of Chesapeake, VA, and Catherine Minter Hammill of Kill Devil Hills, NC, one grandson, Adam Minter Comfort of Harrisonburg, VA, three granddaughters, Emily Comfort Woodburn (Michael) of Washington, DC, Ann Leslie Hammill Hopkins (Christopher) of Raleigh, NC and Catherine Hammill Creef (Justin) of Manns Harbor, NC, two great-grandchildren, Jack Steven Woodburn and Harrington Ann Hopkins. He is also survived by three nephews and their families. Robert was predeceased by his parents, Robert Octavius Minter, Sr. and Isabel Kester Minter, his wife of 67 years, Catherine Ann Goode Minter, his brother, John Kester Minter, and his son-in-law, Martin Leslie Hammill.
Robert will be remembered for his honest nature, meticulous manner, gentlemanly ways, and tender heart. A memorial and graveside service will be held in Martinsville, VA at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
