Melvin L. Harwell Sr.

Melvin Harwell Obituary

On Saturday, June 13, 2009, God in His infinite wisdom summoned our loved one to make the transition from life here to eternal rest and peace.

Melvin LeRoy Harwell Sr., affectionately known as "Funnytime," departed this life at Chippenham Medical Center, Richmond, Va., following a lengthy illness. Our hearts are deeply saddened.

He was born Jan. 1, 1934, in Bronx, N.Y., to Hester Harwell and at an early age relocated to Petersburg, Va., where he lived the remainder of his life. At age 6, he gave his life to Christ at First Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., and later transferred his membership to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va.

Melvin served in the United States Navy and was a veteran of the Korean conflict. He was an avid sportsman. In his early adult years he played semi-professional baseball with the Hopewell Allstars and while in the Navy he played service football and baseball. He attended Richmond Barber School, where he completed the necessary requirements to become a professional hairstylist. He went on to work at the Fort Lee Barber Shop until his retirement. He was a member of the Democratic Committee Election Day Support Team and Westview Garden Neighborhood Watch.

Melvin was preceded in death by his son, Melvin "Poo-Ball" LeRoy Harwell Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, a loving and devoted wife of 47 years, Mary B. Harwell; two sons, Ronald L. Harwell (Vera) of Ettrick, Va., and Thomas B. Harwell of Petersburg, Va.; his mother, Hester Davenport of Bronx, N.Y.; 13 grandchildren, Bryant Lee, Brandon Bowles, Tiffany Worsham, Jaron and Aaron Harwell, Danielle Oliver, Taylor and Maximillian Harwell, Sommer Hewitt, Desedra and Tremaine Pettaway, Bradley Davis and Bridgette Stewart; two devoted friends, one whom he adopted as his brother, Richard "Hamburger" Perry and Kimberly A. Stewart, as his daughter; two aunts, Sarah Latimar of New York and Sterline Parham of Petersburg, Va.; four sisters-in-law, Nancy Scott of Emporia, Va., Laura Rowe and Marion Batts, both Petersburg, Va., and Annie Batts of Lynchburg, Va.; four brothers-in-law, William Batts (Eva), Samuel Batts (Roslyn), John Batts (Lenora) and Emanuel Batts, all of Petersburg, Va.; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2009, at the Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va,; the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment to follow in the Dinwiddie Memorial Park with military honors.

The family will receive friends at the residence and may be contacted by calling (804) 732-0383.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Harwell online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress-Index from Jun. 14 to Jun. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Harwell

11 Entries

Shari Shipman-Greene

July 12, 2009

Mrs. Harwell,
I would like to express my sincerest and deepest condolences on the loss of your husband. May God keep you and your family in His comforting arms. God bless.

Randolph, Denise, Shivawn and Aaron Mitchell

June 21, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Carl Harris

June 20, 2009

TO Mary and Family,

You know my mother (Stella Cummings), I'm her son Carl Harris, who graduated with Maelvin Jr. in send our prayers and thoughts with you and the rest of the family.

Shirley W. Dexter

June 19, 2009

To Mary and Family,

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

William Batts

June 19, 2009

To Aunt Mary & Family,

So sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Melvin. All will surely miss his smile,laughter and love of life. Hold his memories close to your heart and always remember the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ, that He will make all things new.

May the God of all comfort embrace you with His love and surround you with loving family and friends as you go through this transitional period.

With our love and prayers,

Deacon William and Patricia Batts
New Haven, CT

Fred & Jean Dillard

June 17, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

June 17, 2009

Bobbie Stewart God bless

Jackquelynn Jones

June 17, 2009

Dear Melvin,

It will be hard to think of visiting Petersburg without you.
You have always been part of my childhood visits, the years you spent with me and Philip and Aunt Gertie in New York and my too infrequent visits back home as an adult. I remember us riding the train to pick up Chi-Chi, given to us but becoming your dog. You gave me my first ride in a convertible car and your bride Mary welcomed me so kindly.
I will miss your gentle teasing, kindness and caring on my trips to Virginia. I know these last months were with a lot of suffering, but your family rests knowing that you are in the hands of our Lord, preparing the way for all of us. May you rest in peace and comfort,

Love,
Jackquelynn

Jeanmarie Hinkson

June 16, 2009

Dear Family,
I know cousin Melvin, will be missed,but may you find comfort in knowing he is in the arms of God.

Jeanmarie ( Aunt Gerties daughter

Natarsha Batts

June 15, 2009

This is Natarsha Batts. I am so sorry to hear about your lost.

Jannis Chambliss

June 15, 2009

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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