Raymond Lee (Ditty) Via, Sr., age 77, of 1807 Oakland Drive, Selma, Virginia, died Saturday, April 9, 2016 at CJW Medical Center, Chippenham Campus, in Richmond.

He was born June 24, 1938 in Alleghany County to the late Revie Wesley and Susie Victoria Pendleton Via.

He was a retired pipeline inspector for Columbia Gas and served in the Virginia National Guard for eight years.

He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy, and attended Iron Gate Community Church.

He enjoyed Alleghany High School sports and was a fan of the Atlanta Braves, NASCAR and Peyton Manning.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Shirley Golden and Charlotte Via, and a brother, Calvert Via.

He is survived by his wife, Shelva Meadows Via of Selma; a son, Raymond Lee Via, Jr. and wife, Melissa of Selma; a brother, Wayne Via and wife, Clara of Selma; two grandchildren, Dustin VIa and Cortney Via; and a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge, with Reverend Edith Snedegar and Reverend Ted Fortenberry officiating.

Interment will follow in Alleghany Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tommy Lipscomb, Bobby Downey, Paul Golden, Jr., Bill Hume, Clacy Griffith, Phillip Jones and Buddy Reid.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home.