Deems Melvin Jr.

Born April 12, 1930 in Roseboro, NC, he was the son of the late Deems Melvin, Sr. and the late Annie Melvin and was also preceded in death by three sisters, Janie Bell Johnson, Rosey Marie Melvin, and Clara Mae Melvin-Stokes and one brother, Lee Dell Melvin.

Mr. Melvin was a dedicated educator for 30 years with the Lynchburg Public School System. He held degrees in education from St. Paul’s College, Lynchburg College and was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War.

Mr. Melvin had a love for life, zeal for the lord and a smile that was unforgettable and infectious. As a talented athlete, he played various sports in high school, college and the military; he was also an accomplished musician, playing the trumpet, drums and keyboard. For most of his adult life, and as a member of Tree of Life Ministries, his passion was teaching, sharing the gospel, encouraging, and inspiring people through song.

In addition to his wife, his daughter Cathy Ann Melvin Hiske and her husband Allen of Rustburg, VA; his son, Leland D. Melvin of Washington, D.C.; his granddaughter, Brittany Melvin; his great-granddaughter, Ciara Melvin of Lynchburg; two brothers, Gregory Earl Melvin and Freddie Lee Melvin and one sister, Irene Melvin Wilson, all of North Carolina, survive him.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at Tree of Life Ministries, 2812 Greenview Dr., Lynchburg, VA 24502 with Pastor J. Mike Dodson officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post 16.

The family will receive friends Saturday, 1:00PM at Tree of Life Ministries, for one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive cards and condolences at: The Melvin Family, 100 Capstone Drive, Unit #105, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

Whitten Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel is serving the family.