Melvin Lawrence French

Melvin French of Fieldale, passed away on January 31 after a year and half long battle with Leukemia. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Many in the community will remember him as “Papa French” from the Space Odyssey Game Room, where he offered advice, mentored local youth, and challenged many to games of pool. He was a loyal friend and was always willing to offer support in any way he could. Melvin was born and lived his entire life in Fieldale, Virginia. He graduated from Fieldale High School and Coyne Electrical School. Melvin proudly served in the United States Army and was stationed in Alaska and New Jersey. In 2000, Melvin retired from State Electronics, formerly known as Womack Electronics. He was a member of Fieldale Baptist Church and served as President of Fieldale–Collinsville Rescue Squad from 1982 until 1989. He was a Past President of Henry County Rescue Squad Association, and was Scout Master to Boy Scout Troop 73. He is survived by his wife, Hattie Fulcher French of the home; a daughter, Lori French Bailey of Matthews, NC; a son, Brian French of Portland, OR; one granddaughter, Caroline Bailey; a brother-in-law, Vance Fulcher, Jr.; a sister-in-law, Mary Page Jackson; and his brother, Raeburn French, along with many beloved nephews, nieces, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence French and Iva Helms French; parents-in-law, Vance Fulcher, Sr. and Alice Carter Fulcher; son-in-law, Robert Bailey, and nephew, Duane Fulcher. Visitation will be Sunday, February 10th at 2 PM, followed by a memorial service at 3 PM at Fieldale Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Allen Jackson and Rev. George Hearn. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to Fieldale Baptist Church, P.O. Box 98, Fieldale, VA 24089, or to Fieldale-Collinsville Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 760, Collinsville, VA. 24078. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of Ravenel Oncology, Lewis Gale Hospital 6-West, UNC Cancer Clinic and Mountain Valley Hospice for the kind and thoughtful care Melvin received.