Carlton Ray (RayRay) Nipper

Carlton Ray (Rayray) Nipper, age 65, of Tazwell, passed away at home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, following an extended illness. Ray was born on April 27, 1959, in Richlands, Virginia, the son of the late Henry Edward Nipper and Edna Louise Totten Nipper. He was a tear-down mechanic on all mining equipment for Joy Manufacturing in Bluefield for many years before retiring. Ray had never met a stranger and could converse for hours with anyone. He enjoyed going fishing any time with whoever would go with him. His greatest all-time passion was cars! He truly loved Volkswagen Beetles and owned many of them in his lifetime. He would trade cars every few months, and his wife, Connie, never knew what would be parked in their driveway. Life with Ray was full of surprises, laughter, and love. He was a lifetime resident of the area and will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Nina White, sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Johnny Simons, brother and sister-in-law, Harvey and Donna Nipper, and brothers-in-law Bill Howery and Donnie Puckett. Those who remain to carry on his vivacious spirit are: His loving wife of 32 years, Connie Frances Vance Nipper of Tazewell, VA Special niece whom he loved like a daughter, Maggie Pruitt of Tazewell, VA Sisters: Wilma Mullens and her husband, Joe, of Tazewell, VA Jeanie Howery of Tazewell, VA Brothers: Earl White of Bluefield, VA Dave Nipper and his wife, Frances of Van, WV Brothers-in-law: Sam Vance and his wife Barbara, of Bluefield, WV Wayne Vance and his wife Linda, of Winlock, WA A host of nieces, nephews, friends, and family also survive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hurst-Scott for Ray’s funeral expenses. The funeral service for Carlton Ray Nipper will be conducted at 1:00 PM on Monday, June 3, 2024, at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, with the Rev. Ken Owens and Danny Stinson officiating. Interment will follow at the Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Chuck Lowe, HL (Howie) Smith, Cecil (CC) Bailey, Clinton Musick, Timmy Cecil, and Chris (Big Guy) Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny White, Gary (Big G) Millner, Robert Ramey, Sandy Etter, Terry Price, and Rick Hess. The family will receive friends on Monday from noon until the time of service.

Carlton Ray (RayRay) Nipper

April 27, 1959 - May 29, 2024