Ray Willis Robinette, 87, formerly of Coeburn, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026.

Ray was born on March 4, 1939, in Wise County, Virginia, to the late Hansford Neal “Hank” Robinette and Gracie May Corder Robinette. He was raised in the close-knit Carfax community near Coeburn and St. Paul, where the Robinette family had deep roots.

Ray was a proud United States military veteran. His service to his country remained an important part of his life, and he was recognized as a disabled veteran.

Ray worked for many years as a coal miner. During his mining career, he also served as a member of the mine rescue team. This demanding responsibility reflected his courage, skill and willingness to put himself in harm’s way to help fellow miners during emergencies.

Ray married Brenda C. Robinette on September 25, 1965. They shared 60 years of marriage and were just 19 days short of celebrating their 61st wedding anniversary.

A special tribute is given to Ray’s devoted wife, Brenda, who stood beside him and supported him throughout their life together. As a homemaker, she dedicated herself to Ray, their children and their home, providing the steady love, care and strength upon which the family depended. Her devotion was an important part of Ray’s life and their family’s story.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Lena Hite, and other beloved members of the Robinette family.

Ray is survived by his wife, Brenda C. Robinette; his sons, Tim Robinette and Tony Ray Robinette; his sisters, Jeanette Ringley and Dorothy Musick; his brother, Larry N. Robinette; and his grandchildren, Ryan Robinette, Tyler Robinette and Erica Robinette Gore.

He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Parker Robinette, Jordyn Robinette and Camden Briggs Robinette. Ray’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will proudly carry his memory and the Robinette family name forward.

Ray’s sons, Tim and Tony, share this tribute:

“Only a few people can truly understand what we mean when we say we are from Carfax. Our father and grandfather taught us how to live off the land. They taught us how to make molasses, raise a garden, grow tobacco, weld, repair a steam engine, practice blacksmithing and fix almost anything—including lawnmowers and engines. By the age of 12, we had learned how to shoot a gun and drive a car. Those lessons were about much more than learning skills. They taught us how to work, provide for ourselves, solve problems and live our lives. That is the legacy our father and grandfather gave us.”

Ray came from a family known throughout Carfax for hard work, self-reliance and helping its neighbors. Those values remained part of him throughout his life. His family will remember where he came from, the life he lived and the place he will always hold in their family’s history.