Obituary of James Ray Millsaps

Rev. James Ray Millsaps, 83, of Roanoke passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kannapolis, NC on April 25, 1934, a son of the late William Virgil and Irene Givens Millsaps of Statesville, North Carolina. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two of his sisters, Gwendola Mason and Lois Hutchings.

James served in the U S Army from 1953 to 1955. He served the Lord as Pastor of Preston Oaks Baptist Church for eighteen years and then served as Chaplain at Friendship Manor for four years. James was a very loving and caring Minister, Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend. He enjoyed getting together with family and friends and “making music” which he and Betty would often do. He attended many fiddle and banjo events and was former treasurer of the Roanoke Valley Fiddle and Banjo Club.

James married the love of his life Betty Lou Nicholson and they had five children, all of whom have survived him, Patty (David) Spann, Anthony “Shorty” Millsaps, Lou Ann (Blaine) Oliverira, Tim (Becky) Millsaps, and Michael (Dana) Millsaps. James was blessed and cherished every moment with his seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers, Vaughan Millsaps, David Millsaps, Douglas (Reola) Millsaps, Ronald (Rose) Millsaps all of Statesville, NC; sisters, Julia  Bailes, Wilma (Rex) Oliver, Jo Anne Patterson, and Janice Teague; brothers-in-law, Walter Mason and Rene Hutchins; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Red Cross.

Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday, October 9, 2017, at Bonsack Baptist Church by Dr. Robert G. Moore, III. Interment with military honors will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Simpson Funeral Home 5160 Peters Creek Road. 366-0707