Melvin Alexander Goode Sr.

Melvin Alexander Goode Sr., 91 of Sacramento California, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025. Melvin accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and is now rejoicing in his heavenly home.

Melvin was born on December 31, 1933, in the Chesapeake, Virginia neighborhood of Deep Creek to Johnny Goode and Elsie Bracey Goode.

Melvin attended Booker T. Washington High School in Virginia, and American River College in Sacramento, California. He focused on Business Management, and pursued a variety of other subjects piqued by his broad intellectual curiosity.

Melvin was married for 70 years to Bernice Virginia Gregory Goode. They were married in Virginia on December 2, 1952. They had nine children: Melvin Alexander Goode Jr. (wife Yvonne), Cynthia Bernice Goode Strickland (husband Louis), Frederick Anthony Goode (wife Mary), Jacob Leroy Goode, Valerie Rene Goode, Denise Yvette Goode, Steven Jerome Goode (wife Tanya) Timothy Dwayne Goode, and Nanette Anita Goode Rainey

His predeceased family includes his eldest daughter, Delinda Trickateen Walker, and his siblings Robert, Johnny Jr., Essie(aka Doll), and Cynthia. He is survived by his sisters Dorothy Garcia and Janice Benjamin.

Melvin is survived by 20 loving grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Melvin enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a Food Services Specialist, supervising meal preparation and service for base chow halls and NCO clubs for hundreds of military personnel daily. His military career took him to bases in England, Alaska, Arizona, Texas, and California. After 20 years of dedicated service, he retired from the Air Force at McClellan AFB in Sacramento with the Rank of Technical Sergeant.

Not long after, Melvin hired on at the Postal Service, and worked as a mail sorter, handling hundreds of pieces of mail and packages, utilizing his memory of zip codes in California and all over the United States. Melvin enjoyed his job and the camaraderie of his crew, counting many of them as his closest friends. He worked for the Post Office for 26 years, earning another full retirement, before finally retiring for good.

Upon his retirement, Melvin and Bernice began traveling widely, enjoying vacations on ocean cruise liners. Destinations included the Caribbean, Bahamas, Jamaica, St. Thomas, the Mexican Riviera, and Alaska. This was a wonderful time for them, finally able to share alone time with each other.

Melvin enjoyed being well dressed. He was frequently complimented on his attire, always dapper and sharp, whether in jacket and tie, or wearing his tan or brown track suits with a professional team’s cap as an accessory. His latest gear of choice was Under Amour, which kept him looking active and sporty.

Melvin was a great dancer. In high school, he was always at the canteen, showing off dance moves and DJ’ing, where he caught the eye of many a young lady, including the one who caught his eye and eventually became his wife. They were great dancing together, and could have been in the movies or on TV. Years later, they’d show off together, dancing for their kids in the living room.

Melvin enjoyed listening to Jazz artists and had an extensive collection of vinyl records. His later favorites included Gerald Albright and the R&B of Luther Vandross. One of Melvin’s favorite TV series was the British show “The Avengers.”

Melvin loved watching pro football. He played on the base football team in the Air Force. His favorite NFL team was the Redskins, now known as the Washington Commanders.

Melvin will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes, there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4