Smith, John Melvin

John Melvin Smith of McCoy got his wish for the Lord to take him home on Thursday, July 4, 2019. John Melvin was born November 22, 1920 in Montgomery County VA. He was referred to by many names such as Son, Brother, Husband, Daddy, PawPaw, PawPaw Dink, the Dinkster, Captain John, Hammer Head John.

Melvin endured a lot of hardships in his life from birth to death, but we all know he is in a better place. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

He was predeceased by his parents Lee and Ella Mae Smith, his first wife Ora Jane Wilson Smith and mother of his children, second wife Dolly Smith, nine brothers and sisters Phillip Smith, Lonnie (Coot) Smith, Bertha (Sis) Adkins, Lela (Mid) Flinchum, Lucy Kessinger, Janie Simpkins, Nora Flinchum, Thelma Farmer, Clara Belle Marshall.

He is survived by his children and their spouses Susan Thomas, Lee Roy (Linda) Smith, Viola (Alfred) Howery, Diane (Scotty) Bolling, six grandchildren and their spouses Chris (Cindy) Dowdy, Jennifer (Greg) Rudisill, Dennis (Rachel) Smith, Jeff (Karen) Bolling, Leigh Ann (Chris) Flinchum, Tracy (Jason) Price, fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren.

Melvin was a devoted Christian and never missed many services until his health prevented it. He was a hard worker all his life working as a very dedicated and outstanding mechanic in the Blacksburg area. He loved music, playing the guitar and flatfooting up until his health took that away from him. He was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed many camping trips with his family. He got them all interested in camping.

Daddy will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His favorite scripture verse “For God So Loved The World That He Gave His Only Begotten Son” (John 3:16).

Services will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2019 at 3:00 pm in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with his nephew Mike Flinchum speaking. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at McCoy Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at the Northfork Baptist church cemetery in Ellett. Memorial contributions can be made in Melvin’s honor to the Mission Fund at McCoy Community Christian Church, PO Box 384, McCoy, VA 24111. The family would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice for their generous care.