Claiborne Watkins Minor

1943 - 2025

Claiborne Watkins Minor

August 23, 1943 - October 17, 2025

Claiborne Watkins Minor passed peacefully on October 17, 2025. A direct descendant of one of Virginia's oldest families, Claiborne was born in Richmond, VA, on August 23, 1943, to G. Gilmer Minor, Jr. and Roddey Watkins Minor. He was a lifelong member of St. James Church in Richmond.

Claiborne graduated from St. Christopher's School in 1963 and the Virginia Military Institute in 1967, after which he served the country as a Major in the US Army. Upon graduating from college and completing his military service in Korea, Claiborne joined the family company, Owens & Minor, where he held a number of roles, including manager of the company's largest branch and head of Investor Relations. Claiborne was a member of numerous philanthropies and organizations and was elected as the youngest member on the board of the Country Club of Virginia, where he served multiple terms as a board member.

A lifelong athlete, he was captain of the football and baseball teams in high school and played both sports in college. Later in life, he became a nationally ranked croquet player, participating in competitions across the country and serving as a pro-bono instructor at the Country Club of Virginia. He was also an avid snow skier, golfer, and scuba diver. Claiborne had many loves - his children and grandchildren, his alma mater, VMI, the Dallas Cowboys, his Westie dogs Jake and Jill, and anything with wheels – golf carts, Segways, motorcycles, and Corvettes to name a few.

Claiborne was the very definition of a southern gentleman-gracious and kind, and with a playful spirit that would light up any room he entered. Whether holding the door or telling a memorable and entertaining story, he carried himself with the utmost charm and impeccable manners. His greatest gift, however, was that he never met a stranger and never spoke unkindly of anyone. His warmth, generosity, and natural charm made everyone feel welcome in his presence. He had a gift for connection, an effortless ability to make others feel seen and valued, and a lighthearted spirit that made him beloved by many.

Claiborne is preceded in death by his parents, G. Gilmer and Roddey Watkins Minor, and brother, G. Gilmer Minor, III. He is survived by his three children, William Randolph Minor (Isabel), John Claiborne Minor (Lynn), and Elaine Claiborne Minor; and granddaughters, Lauren Elizabeth Minor, Caroline Ellis Minor, and Vivian Watkins Minor.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Claiborne's dedicated and kind caretaker, Veronica Augusto.

A reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Country Club of Virginia on Thursday, October 23. Burial at Hollywood Cemetery will be private. If you would like to make a contribution in Claiborne's name, please consider the VMI Foundation, VMI Alumni Agencies, PO Box 932, Lexington, VA, 24450.