Mabry, Melvin Gerald

Melvin Gerald Mabry, 79, of Radford, left this earthly life for his heavenly home on Thursday, May 4, 2006 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Margie Mabry; a sister, Sylvia Mabry Slusher; and a brother, William Edward Mabry, all of Blacksburg.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 42 years, Diane Lytton Mabry; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gerald and Phyllis Mabry of Blacksburg, William and Martha Mabry of Radford; three daughters and sons-in-law, Jud and Mary Mabry Hudson of Hampton, Steve Lewis and Kristin Mabry of Juneau, Alaska, Trionne Hilliard of Chicago; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A sister, Eva Mabry Tawes, also survives.

Mel was a quiet man, but his life spoke volumes as he served the Lord, his country, his community and his family. He was an active member of Fairlawn Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served in many capacities, including Sunday School Teacher, Training Union Director, and Deacon.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a paratrooper and a radio communications operator. After the war, he served another two years, during which he taught in the Radio Signal School. Mel worked at the Radford Arsenal for 14 years; first as a line foreman and later in the electronics shop.

He held a First Class Commercial Radiotelephone license and the Advanced-Class Ham Radio license, both issued but the FCC. He worked for a number of years as a part-time engineer and announcer at WRAD in Radford, and as an engineer for WJJJ in Christiansburg. Ham Radio was his hobby for many years, and he communicated with almost every country in the world.

In his forties, Mel continued his education which had been interrupted by his military service. He earned an Associate degree from NRCC, a Bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University, and a Master’s degree from Va. Tech. He taught electronics for over 26 years at NRCC, achieving the rank of Professor. Faculty Emeritus Scholarship was bestowed on him in 1998 for his service to the college. The Melvin Mabry Scholarship was established by Mel’s family at NRCC to honor his life and achievements.

Mel began writing his autobiography in retirement and completed it in 2004. He will be remembered for his beautiful gardens and the vegetables he shared with family and friends. His gentleness and love will be sadly missed by his family. “Teachers affect eternity, one can never tell where their influence ends…”

The family would like to thank Dr. Charles Judy and the nurses of Medi-Home Health and Hospice who have been wonderful. A very special thank-you to our Angel of Mercy, Brenda Harris.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at DeVilbiss Funeral Home. The memorial service will be Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. at Fairlawn Baptist Church, with the Rev. Danny Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the D-Day Memorial, P.O. Box 77, Bedford, Virginia. VFW Post #776 will conduct military graveside rites. The family is being served by DeVilbiss Funeral Home, Radford, Va.