Rev. Robert Lee Painter

Rev. Robert Lee Painter, 94, claimed the promise of the resurrection on Friday, April 11, 2008, at his home, Carrington Place in Daleville, Va. He was the fifth of eight children born to the late Robert Newton Painter and Lillie Grove Painter of Montebello in Rockbridge County, Va. Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Virginia Morgan Painter; a daughter, Gloria Gilbert Beckner; six brothers, Maynard, Bernard, Wallace, Troy, Samuel and Paul; and brothers-in-law, Howard S. Morgan and Joseph Fralin. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his daughters, Joyce P. Hudson and husband, Donald, and Charlotte P. Wimmer. Also surviving are granddaughters, Susan W. Ribelin (Chip), Jodi H. Crown (Taylor), Beth H. Proffitt (George); grandsons, Scott Hudson (Heather), Robby Gilbert (Amy), Michael Hudson, David Beckner (Tracy), and Chris Beckner; and twelve great-grandchildren. Also one sister, Hettie P. Ramsey; a special niece, Lorene P. Grant, who was like a sister; brothers-in-law, Claude Morgan and Robert E. Morgan; sisterin-law, Dora N. Fralin; many precious nieces and nephews; and sons-in-law, James Beckner and Cecil Wimmer.
Rev. Painter founded the House of Prayer, Roanoke (Parkway House of Prayer) in 1947 and pastored there until 1992. In 1952 be founded House of Prayer, Floyd, Va., and pastored there until 1982 with services on Saturday evenings. He was instrumental in the planting of other churches through his tent ministry. Rev. Painter began his ministry at Riverdale Tabernacle pastoring there from 1942 until 1947. This is now Grandview Church of the Nazarene.
Rev. Painter began a radio ministry in the fifties that spaned approximately fifty years. Also, he was instrumental in the founding of the Blue Ridge Holiness Camp in Check, Va.
In his late fifties, he began annual mission trips to Faith Churches in Egypt and continued until he was 87. He loved the Egyptian people and their hunger for the Word. Many churches were planted in Egypt during this time through the faithful support of Christians here.
Rev. Painter was blessed with a faithful friend and travel companion, Bob Miller, during the last years of mission work. He was thankful for the special times they had together serving others.
Robert lived by Faith always trusting God to supply all his needs. He was thankful for the provision of caregivers, Andrea Smith, Lee Robertson, Debbie Daugherty, Nancy Hunter, Laura Parrish, Gloria McNeil and Melissa Mullins; and a special niece, Nova Painter. He felt that each one had a special talent that-brought comfort to him and the family. The Painter family is grateful to the staff at Carrington Place for their loving care. He felt at home there and thought of you as family. May God bless you.
Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be made to Parkway Christian Academy Endowment Fund, 3230 King Street, N.E., Roanoke, Va. 24012.
The funeral service to celebrate Rev. Painter's life will be at Parkway House of Prayer at 11 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2008, with Pastor Jeff Keaton and Pastor John Ingram of Stanton, Ala., officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Parkway House of Prayer on Saturday, April 12, 2008, from 4 to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, April 13, 2008, from 3 to 8 p.m. Arrangements by Oakey's North Chapel, 540-362-1237.