We celebrate the life of Melvin C. (Doc) Butts, a man who continuously exhibited the true meaning of unconditional love, selflessness, and strength. A man who inspired and impacted others in the community with his beautiful personality and willingness to help anyone he could. Melvin enjoyed spending time with the people he loved, especially his wife Virginia, and bringing a smile to their faces. He set amazing examples for his family and community and touched the hearts of many. He went out of his way to help everyone in any way that he could.
Melvin Charles (Doc) Butts, son of the late Charlotte and Marion Butts, was born on December 05, 1952 in Tuskegee, Alabama. He received Christ at an early age and later joined First Baptist Church of Orange Park under the leadership of Pastor David Tarkington. Melvin attended school in Tampa, Florida and graduated from Middleton Senior High School. He attended Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, Alabama. He also attended Webster University where he received his Bachelor and Master of Science Degrees.
Melvin served in the United States Navy for 28 years. During his time served in the Navy, Melvin received Good Conduct Medals, two Navy “E” Ribbons, four Navy Achievement Medals, two Navy Command Medals, two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons, two Meritorious Unit Command Ribbons, Artic Service Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, and Joint Service Achievement Medal. Melvin proudly served in USS Atlanta SSN 712, USS Skip Jack SSN 585, USS Key West SSN722, USS Emory.5. Land AS-39, and USS Arleigh Burke DDG-51. He ran the Blue Angel and Marine Corps Marathons. Melvin was a Worshipful Master for Paul Laurence Dumbar Lodge# 219 .
Melvin was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Martini Carter-Butts, his father Marion Butts, his grandmother, Annie Butts, and his grandfather, John Henry Butts.
In 1974, Melvin met the “LOVE” of his life, Virginia McBride-Butts. Shortly after, their relationship disbursed and after 41 years of being apart, they rekindled their love for each other and later became husband and wife. Melvin was united in holy matrimony to Virginia A. McBride on May 15, 2015.
Melvin will always be in the hearts of his family and friends. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Virginia McBride-Butts, his children: Grafton Brown Huff, Afrika Butts, and Dominique Butts, eight grandchildren, sister: Marion A. Butts, brothers: John (Evelyn) Butts, Marvin (Dhalma) Butts, and James Butts. Sister-in-laws: Wanda King, Cassandra Mitchell, Rosalyn Meadows. Brother-in-laws: Cedric McBride, Oronde Mitchell, Shelby Meadows, his nieces: Sabrina (Ryan) Burns, Marqulina (Dwayne) Fisher, Ithaca Butts, Deana Butts, Pacquina A. M. Butts, Chartotte C. Butts, Orressa L. Butts, and Aiesha; his nephews: Javaris (Ashley) Butts, Charles Butts, Martin Marion Butts, Jelani Butts, and a host of uncles, aunts, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family, masonic brothers, relatives and friends. Special friends: Keith Shaheen, Ronald Meadows, James Talley, and Toby Bennett. Special pet “Buddy” Butts.
A memorial service for Melvin will be held on Friday, October 16, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at Hardage-Giddens Rivermead Funeral Home, 127 Blanding Boulevard, Orange Park, FL 32073. Interment will follow at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2020 with Navy honors.
