Photo courtesy of Paul Funeral Home of Washington
Washington, North Carolina
Dec 1, 1942 – Jan 16, 2025
Melvin Raleigh Keech, Sr., age 82, a resident of Belhaven, died, Thursday January 16, 2025, at Wake Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington with Rev. Kevin Whaley officiating. Burial will follow in Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Zack Keech, Caden Keech, John Richards, Lynn Cutler, Jonah Cutler, Bert Hodges, Jr., and Eric Cahoon will serve as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.
Melvin was born on December 1, 1942, in Beaufort County to the late Raleigh Oliver Keech and Edith Windley Keech. He was a graduate of Pantego High School. On March 15, 1996, he married Gaye Hodges. Melvin started his career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a salesman in New Bern, he then opened J.D. Dawson Catalog Store in Greenville. Melvin took over as owner and operator of Hub's Rec in Belhaven. He later opened Mel’s Restaurant in Pantego, some years later he opened Mel’s II in Chocowinity, and then Mel’s Galley in Washington. He and his wife Gay owned and operated Q-Tyme in Washington. Melvin loved boating, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Gay Hodges Keech of the home, his children, Chad Keech (Melissa) of Pantego, Samantha Hudnell (Michael) of Belhaven and Ilce Alligood (Lewis) of Washington, sister, Margaret Patras of Virginia Beach, VA, grandchildren, Zack Keech, Caden Keech, Nick Windley, Piper Hudnell, Willa Hudnell, Kai Alligood and Ariel Alligood, great grandchild, Molly Keech.
Memorial contributions may be made to Beaufort County Humane Society, P.O. Box 33 Washington, NC 27889.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com
Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Keech family.
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I worked for Mr. Mel as a waitress and hostess at Mel’s in Pantego. He was always good to me. He gave me advice and treated me like a daughter and I will always remember that. I am thankful and blessed to have been a part of the Mel’s family ❤. Mrs. Gay, Chad, and family, my heartfelt prayers are with you all.
Faye Rose
January 21, 2025 | Washington, NC | Friend
I remember when Melvin would come to the bank to do his deposit. We always talked about family. He was a wonderful person. Going to miss him.
Maria Crawford
January 21, 2025 | Washington, NC | Friend
Mel was a great boss. Always joking and having a good time. He was a wonderful person and really cared for his staff. I started working for him at 15 years old and worked for many years for him in Washington and Pantego. My thoughts and prayers are with Chad, Gay, and the entire family.
Frankie Hill
January 20, 2025 | New Bern, NC | Coworker
May our Lord wrap his loving arms around Mel's family and friends, giving them comfort and peace during this heart wrenching time. Know that prayers are being said over you with love. Always know that there is strength to endure through our Father in Heaven and that others share in your sorrow. God Bless
ann hastings
January 20, 2025 | Washington, NC | Family
Remembered By
ann hastings
January 20, 2025 | Washington, NC | Family
So sorry to hear about Mel. Prayers and hugs to all of his loved ones.
Deirdre Kennedy Perry
January 19, 2025 | Morehead City, NC | Acquaintance
Gay, I am so sorry. Thoughts and prayers for you & your family.
Sherry Gravely
January 19, 2025 | Washington, NC | Acquaintance
Gay and family,
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief! Prayers lifted for you all in this difficult time.❣
Fonda & Robert Gautier
January 19, 2025 | Washington, NC | Friend
Dear Gay and Family,
Thinking of you and sending prayers and love.
Joyce and Lewis Cutler♥
Joyce Cutler
January 18, 2025 | Pantego, NC | Friend