MELVIN CLARENCE ELLIS SR.

1932 - 2021

God, in His infinite wisdom, called home our loved one, Melvin Clarence Ellis Sr., 88, of Dinwiddie, Virginia, on January 25, 2021.

Melvin was the firstborn to the late George W. Ellis, Sr. and Elizabeth Westbrook Ellis on September 22, 1932, in Dinwiddie, Virginia. He was preceded in death by four brothers: Charles, Christopher, George, and William; sister, Beatrice E. Jordan; five sisters-in-law: Vernice Ellis, Vernel Bonner, Isabelle Bonner, and Dorothy Bonner; ten brothers-in-law: Floyd Bonner, Jr., Theodore Bonner, George Bonner, Sr., Walter Bonner, William R. Ellis, William Ridley, Columbus Brown, Freddie Jones, Wilbert Parham, Sr., and George Jerome Jordan; and daughter-in-law, Oretha Ellis.

Melvin received his early education at the Dewitt and Mt. Level Elementary Schools and the Dinwiddie Training School. He served in the United States Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was employed by Brenco for a brief time following his duty. Melvin retired serving as a Post Engineer Supply Warehouse Supervisor at Fort Lee after 33 years.

At an early age, Melvin accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, joining Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, Dewitt, Virginia, in 1947. Melvin loved praising God, singing with the Male Chorus. He served as Trustee, Assistant Treasurer, and member of the Brotherhood Ministry; he loved hearing his favorite scripture, Psalms 23 --- "The Lord is My Shepherd" and singing his favorite song, "One Day at a Time." Melvin was a dedicated member of the C.V. Wilson Lodge #317, serving in numerous offices, to include Past Master.

Melvin enjoyed hunting, fishing, and training hunting dogs. He was an active member of the Dinwiddie Hunt Club and an avid baseball fan who loved watching his favorite team, the Washington Nationals. His favorite past time was going to local baseball games, watching baseball games on TV; he, especially,enjoyed spending time with his family---listening to the stories of their daily lives, passing down his many words of wisdom and encouragement, and being mesmerized by his grandchildren.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories a loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Emma Bonner Ellis; four children: Melvin C. Ellis, Jr., Sharranne Johnson (Alphonso), Andre' Ellis, Sr.(Robin), and Melba Garrett (Dennis); two daughters-in-law: Vinda Ellis and Sheila Ellis; a son-in-law, Gerald Simmons; fifteen (15) grandchildren: Orlando Ellis (Melissa), Darel Robertson(Carrie), Vashika Tucker (Ronzell), Shartese Cadet(Frantz), Kristin Jones (K'Mario), Andre' Ellis, Jr. (Lacresha), Melvin C. Ellis, III, Andrea Ellis, Alleyah Johnson,Kamonte' and Kiara Garrett, Gail Hobbs (Rodney), Taisha, Montique, and Alfonzo Johnson; eighteen (18) great grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter; siblings: Aldreece Brown, James Ellis(Margaret), Jean Myrick (Archie), Barbara Winfield (James), and Frederick Ellis (Patricia); brother-in-law, Arnold Bonner; sisters-in-law: Gertrude Bonner, Willianna Parham, Roxie Jones, Lelia Pegram, Floreen Danquah, Cynthia Haskins, Gale Ridley, Beatrice Ellis, Lessie Ellis, Barbara Ellis, and Margaret Bonner; an aunt, Doris Westbrook.

He leaves a multitude of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom he loved dearly. Melvin had several special friends to include a lifelong friend, Evan Bolling, and a treasured nephew, Rudolph Jones, III.

Services for Mr. Melvin Clarence Ellis, Sr. will be held 12 noon, Thursday, February 4, 2021, on the grounds of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 16616 Glebe Rd, Dewitt, VA 23840.

Public viewing will be on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, from 12-7 pm at the Petersburg chapel.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the professional staff- Petersburg Chapel- Joseph M. Johnson & Son Funeral Home, 530 S. Sycamore St., Petersburg, VA (804)863-4411 www.johnsonservices.us.