SFC Retired Melvin Lee Babb, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbus, Georgia on Friday, September 23rd. Melvin was born June 8, 1941 to Charles Esteze And Eva Mae Babb in Columbus Kansas, the youngest of six children. After his father’s death at a young age, he gained a stepfather in William (Bill) Scott.
Melvin served in the U.S. Marines (1958 - 1963) and the U.S. Army (1964 - 1978) with three tours in Vietnam with the 1st Calvary. He met his beautiful bride and wife of 57 years, Bobbie Jean Thornton, when he was stationed at Ft. Benning. They were married on July 2, 1965 just prior to his first deployment to Vietnam.
In 1978, Melvin began his career as a powerhouse operator for Fieldcrest Mills where he worked until his retirement in 2001. Melvin enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He also loved to watch football, baseball and travel. Melvin is survived by his wife, Bobbie; daughters, Nomie (Greg) Alexander and Donna (J) Dickens; son Johnny (Bree) Babb; grandchildren, Brandi (Kevin) Kirkland, Gregory Alexander, Jodi (Blake) Bourne, Krysten (Cal) Weatherford, River (Holly) Babb; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Kirkland, Cole Kirkland, Katie Kirkland, Brock Bourne, Mason Bourne and Tatum Weatherford; sisters, Suzanne Sampley and Sara Martin and numerous nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, brothers; Charles Babb, Eddie Babb and sister, Lois Duncan.
The family will greet friends from 12:30 to 1:45 PM on September 27, 2022 at Striffler-Hamby Funeral Home.
A graveside service will follow visitation at Park Hill Cemetery at 2 PM with Reverend Mike Reeves officiating. Burial will follow at Parkhill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Babb family.
