Raymond “Raynman” Albert Minnis
Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home
Raymond “Raynman” Albert Minnis, 84, of Cottageville/Ridgeville, husband of Karen Moorer Minnis, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 29, 2021. The relatives and friends of Ray and Karen are invited to attend his funeral service at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Maple Cane Baptist Church at 21324 Augusta Hwy, Cottageville, SC, officiated by Pastor Blake Anderson and the Reverend Sid Mims. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 in the church sanctuary. Pallbearers will be grandsons and all attending Masons will be honorary pallbearers. Interment, with Masonic Burial Rites will immediately follow the service at the Cottageville Cemetery, 604 Jacksonboro Rd, Cottageville, SC. Online Condolences may be offered at www.Parkerrhodenfuneralhome.com.
Ray was born December 8, 1936 on Ashley Avenue in downtown Charleston, SC, the son of the late Albert Edwin and Iona Welcker Minnis of Charleston. He spent his youth West of the Ashley, attended St. Andrews High School and served in the US Coast Guard after high school. Upon returning home from service, he enrolled in an apprenticeship at the News and Courier and worked in the production department for more than 40 years, retiring in 1998 as pre-press department manager.
Ray was born and raised in Charleston but in the early 1990’s made his home on the black water of the Edisto River near Cottageville SC.
He was a member of Maple Cane Baptist Church in Cottageville, SC and as long as his health allowed, he was a faithful member of the Don and Betty Tumbleston Sunday School Class led by his friend, Larry Davis.
Ray was a Past President and a honorary member of the German Friendly Society in Charleston. On any given Wednesday night you would find him in the kitchen of the 29 Chalmers St landmark.
Ray was very active in Masonry until his health began to fail in 2017. He was a member, Past Master and Secretary of Round Lodge #270. He was Past District Deputy Master of the 3rd District in SC and he served the Grand Lodge as a Junior Warden. He was also 32nd degree Scottish Rite noble.
He had a tenderness for kitty cats and his home was open to every abandoned cat that found its way to Hoot Owl Ct. He gave countless strokes and belly rubs to Hootie, Bootsie and Minnie.
Ray loved fishing which partly explains his move to the Edisto River. He became fast friends with his neighbor, Bill Youmans, affectionately known as Shug, and they produced many fish baskets filled with beautiful crappie and bream. They were also famous for regularly snagging 50+ pound catfish from the black water. Raynman and Shug also had a little side hustle…being frequently called on by neighbors and friends to build decks and porches. This late 60+ duo could work circles around most young people.
He had a love for gardening, planting and growing flowers and vegetables which yielded many fine tomatoes. He also loved woodworking and many friends and family have his shell lamps, cutting boards and cork trivets as memories. He referred to all his hobbies and activities as “piddling”.
Ray is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen Moorer Minnis; two sons, Raymond Minnis, Jr. and Roland Minnis, both of Charleston, SC; four stepsons, Keith Jirel (Alison) of Cottageville, SC; Trey Watford (Julie) of Batesburg, SC; Brett Watford (Carrie) of Charleston, SC; and Tate Watford (Jaime) of Lexington, SC; and a “grafted” daughter, Susan Morris Gallo (Steve) of Charleston. There are 16 grandchildren – Will Minnis and Kate Minnis of Savannah, GA; Georgia and Gavin Gallo of Charleston; Avery and Brinton Jirel of Cottageville; Carley, Morgan and Rachel Watford of Batesburg; Tyler, Parker, Lawson, Cullen and Rylan Watford of Charleston; and Ben and Sam Watford of Lexington. Ray also is survived by his beloved sister, Judy Brock of Charleston and devoted sister-in-law, Denise Moorer of Cottageville; and several cousins. Ray was pre-deceased by his parents; brother, Jimmy Minnis; brother-in-law Dr. Richard T. Brock; uncle, Roland Minnis; cousins, Ed and Peggy Minnis Rugheimer; and his dear friend, Bill (Shug) Youmans.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice especially Heather and Matthew, for their kind and loving care of Ray during this journey.
Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to: Cottageville Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 205, Cottageville, SC 29435; Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter/FoCCAS, 33 Poor Farm Rd, Walterboro, SC 29488; CurePSP, 1216 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York, NY 10001. Arrangements by Parker Rhoden, Paul St, Walterboro, SC (843) 549-xxxx.
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