ROBERT HAMPTON "BOB" MINCER

MINCER, Robert Hampton "Bob," 77, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2012, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Asheville, N.C., on October 14, 1935, son of the late Robert William and Clara Peterson Mincer. He was also predeceased by his first wife, Sally Bailey Mincer. He was a 1954 graduate of Lane High School, and in 1958, received a B.S. degree from the University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce. While at UVA, he was a member of the Delta Upsilon social fraternity and later served for 15 years as Treasurer of its Alumni Association. Upon his graduation from the University of Virginia, he was commissioned through the ROTC as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Field Artillery, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966. Bob came to Charlottesville in 1948 at the age of 12 with his sister and his parents, who began the family business of Mincer's Humidor. In 1954, the business moved to its present location on the Corner and changed its name to Mincer's Pipe Shop, as more of a college shop evolved. Although working part-time throughout his school years with his father in the family shop, it was not until 1960 that Bob became an official partner. This legendary college shop has been referred to as "the Heart of the Corner," and this indeed was where Bob had his heart. His work and interest in the Corner business establishments were primary in his life. Serving as treasurer of the Corner Association for 20 years, he had the unique opportunity of meeting with University officials to discuss and help resolve issues of common interests. He was affectionately known by many as the "Mayor of the Corner" and in 1985, he was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as the first recipient of its "Small Businessman of the Year" award. In other areas of his life, Bob's energy, enthusiasm and business ethics prevailed. No task was unimportant to him if he believed in its cause. By virtue of this conviction he became a charter member of the Charlottesville/ Albemarle Rescue Squad and the Jefferson Area Crime Stoppers, later serving as its chairman. In addition, he served as a volunteer for the board of directors of the Chamber of Commerce, the ARC Board and the local chapter of the American Red Cross for over 30 years. He helped raise funds for the American Heart Association and was an avid supporter of UVA Sports and the Virginia Student Aid Foundation (VSAF). One of his great passions in earlier years was his work with the Charlottesville/Albemarle Jaycees in which he received both state and national honors. Armed with an abundance of leadership skills and the desire to affect public policy, Bob found himself busy in local politics. To say he was a staunch Republican would indeed be an understatement. He worked tirelessly with local party candidates in their bids for election and was always available to lend a hand for the cause. He was an active member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, faithfully serving more than 40 years on many of its boards and committees. He served for 30 years on the Wesley Foundation Board for Methodist Students at UVA and was most recently named Board Member Emeritus. Bob brought humor and good cheer wherever life's road led. He loved to talk and share stories, and a stranger wasn't one for long. He had a great laugh and loved to hear a funny joke. He was a champion of UVA sports through thick and thin. He was a loving and devoted husband, a faithful, compassionate friend, and a very caring and giving man to his family whom he deeply loved. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Collins Mincer; son, Mark Mincer and wife, Tara, of Keswick; daughter, Ellen Mincer of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and his sister, Clara Mincer of Charlottesville. Also, surviving are five stepchildren, Scott Collins of Charlottesville, Rene' Collins, Jeff Collins, Lisa Collins Wood and husband, Larry, and Brian Collins and wife, Kim, all of Richmond, Va. Also surviving are 13 beautiful grandchildren who adored their "Granddad," Calvin, Bailey, Sydney and Amanda Mincer, Katie and Karen Collins, Mac, Austy, and Evan Wood, Alex and Emme Collins, Lindsey and Andrew Taylor; and two great-granddaughters, Lily and Dianna. Also, his favorite nieces, Kim and husband, Charles, and Lauren and Brian, and Leslie and husband, Mark, and Sophia and Camille. Family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Hill and Wood Funeral Home, 201 N. 1st Street, Charlottesville, Va. 22902. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1500 East Rio Rd., Charlottesville, Va. 22901. Interment will be attended by family. Contributions may be sent to the Bob Mincer Foundation, c/o Wells Fargo Advisors, 100 E. South St., Charlottesville, Va. 22902. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.