Melvin McKinley Quick, Sr.

Melvin McKinley Quick, Sr., loving father, father-in-law, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and friend, born on September 24, 1945, in Bennettsville, SC, passed away on July 17, 2024, at the age of 78. He was the youngest son of the late Floyd McCall and Queen Quick.

He grew up in Washington, D.C. where he graduated high school from McKinley Technology High School. He met Linda, who became his wife on September 24, 1965. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked at various Government agencies for over 30 years before retiring from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2000.

Shortly after Melvin and Linda were married, they began studying the bible with Jehovah Witnesses. They made spiritual progress, and both were baptized. He enjoyed sharing bible truths and conducting bible studies with his family members and neighbors. He had the joy of helping his brother Thomas to get to know Jehovah and dedicate his life to him by getting baptized, prior to his death. 

Melvin qualified for and faithfully served as a ministerial servant and/or elder in different congregations, including Anacostia North, Largo, and Clinton North. One of the privileges he enjoyed was conducting the congregation Watchtower Study at Anacostia North. Prior to JW Library, Melvin was known for his meticulous preparation to conduct this meeting and would do extensive research, including his favorite reference guide, the dictionary, which he used to define and explain unfamiliar words for the congregation’s benefit during the lesson. Melvin also took seriously his congregational responsibilities to shepherd the flock and work on their behalf at other assembly and convention departments and other assignments.

In addition to spiritual pursuits, Melvin enjoyed playing Bid Whisk and listening to music, especially the Temptations. He loved to dance wherever music was playing. Whether he was hand dancing or line dancing with friends, you could always find him on the dance floor working off a good meal. While he did not like to fly, he did enjoy family vacations. He also enjoyed visiting the local Kingdom Halls wherever he was on vacation and meeting new friends. Massanutten Resort and Florida were two of his favorite places to visit. 

As his health began to decline he found comfort in the family pets. Mocha and Myla always seemed to put a smile on his face no matter what challenges he faced. Both dogs were comfortable just laying beside him and getting their rubs. 

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Linda, and survived by their two children, LaWanda Cooper (Reginald) and Melvin Quick, Jr. (LaShawn). He loved being Granddaddy to Monika Baker (Shakeem), Andre’ Mason, Reginald Cooper, II, Amira Quick and Aliyah Quick and Great-Grandaddy to Sanaa’, Shamar, Lyric and Malia. He leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends, who will miss him dearly.