John W. Melvin, Jr, age 89, went to be with Jesus Saturday, March 27, 2010, at his home, after a long illness.

Mr. Melvin was born August 12, 1920 in Bristol, VA, the son of the late Annie Blanche Weddle Melvin and John William Melvin, Sr.

Mr. Melvin was a member of East End Christian Church. He worked at Bristol Steel and Iron Works for 44 years, and was an avid beekeeper, and gardener. He had served as treasurer of BSA Troop 114, at High Point Presbyterian Church for many years. He had served as a deacon of High Point Presbyterian Church and as President of the High Point Cemetery Association.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Melvin was preceded in death by a son Kenneth Wayne Melvin; two brothers Charles E. Melvin and William Howard Melvin, and one daughter-in-law Nancy Melvin.

Mr. Melvin is survived by his wife: Frances Helen Melvin; two sons: John “Jay” Melvin and wife Sally, and James E. “Jim” Melvin, all of Bristol, VA; two daughters: Carol McGalliard and husband Ray of Greensboro, NC, and Patsy Brice and husband John of Stanley, NC; one daughter-in-law: Vicky Melvin Keen and husband Phil of Bristol, VA; eight grandchildren: Jamie Melvin and wife Kimberly, Susan Vannoy, Matthew Melvin, Brady Melvin and wife Sherry, Stacy Melvin and wife Sara Ellen, Rachel Barnett and husband Jeff, Travis Melvin, Jessica Love and husband Jeremy; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews

Memorial contributions may be sent to the High Point Cemetery Association, c/o Russell Peters, 24132 Crimson Drive, Bristol, VA 24202.

The Melvin family wishes to express a special Thank You to Southwest Virginia Hospice, including Louise, Frances, Vicky and Debbie.

The funeral service will be conducted at 8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 30, 2010 in Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Joe Hudson and the Rev. Allen Baldwin officiating. The committal service will be conducted at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, March 31, 2010, in High Point Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jamie Melvin, Matthew Melvin, Brady Melvin, Stacy Melvin, Travis Melvin, Marvin Melvin, Bill Melvin and Ruddy Edwards. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Moretz, Dwayne Cook, Roy Moretz, Garnet Cox, Jack Rohr, Bill Keesee, Cecil Malcolm, J. R. Gilmer, Steve Dowell, Sam Rock, and special old friends, Granville Wolfe, Jack Cole, W. D. Morrell, Don Miller, Dave Carrier, Harold Leonard, Carl McCaully, Wayne White, Bob Oliver and Jim Stone. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:45 PM, Tuesday prior to the service.

Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com