Melvin Lewis Locke ‘Lewis’

Published 9:00 am Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Melvin Lewis Locke “Lewis”, 91, a lifelong resident of Charlotte County, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, June 19. He was born Oct. 10, 1932, the eldest child of Otis Merton Locke Jr. (Pop) and Winnie Lewis Locke. Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Marshall Linwood Locke, and his beloved daughter-in-law, Norma Fears Locke.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy McKay Locke, with whom he shared a special bond of love. He is also survived by three children, Doris Locke Dunavant, Richard Lewis Locke and wife, Suzanne; Robert Otis Locke and wife, Claire; sister, Carol Locke and 10 grandchildren, Ashley Locke-Cox, Sean Dunavant, Jacob, Jarrit, Addie, Grace, Lauren, Lindsay, Lewie and Luke Locke.

Lewis proudly served four years active duty and four years reserve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, aboard the USS Wisconsin BB64. He was a true patriot and continued to serve by active participation in the American Legion, Post 260. Although he held various positions as a member, he felt the most privileged to be a member of the Honor Guard.

Lewis was a supervisor at Virginia Crafts for around 15 years.

He was a dedicated U.S. Postal Service Rural Mail Carrier for 30 years. He was well known on his route by his customers and made many life-long friends as he went above and beyond to serve them.

During his time working for the Post Office and VA Crafts, he continued to manage the family tobacco farm. The satisfaction he found in watching the crops grow and curing tobacco was rewarding. Even after he was no longer able to farm, he would drive to the fields to check out the crops, as the next generation continued farming.

Additionally, he was an Officer with the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation and Chairman of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Charlotte County, Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) Committee.

Lewis was a member of Eureka Baptist Church for most of his life, and served in many roles, including, Trustee, Deacon, Sunday School Director and Choir.

He was known for his witty sense of humor, hard work, integrity, kindness, and love for his family.

The family received friends and family 6 -8 p.m., Friday, June 21, at Browning-Duffer Funeral Home at 110 H Street, Keysville, VA 23947.

A funeral service was held at 2 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at Eureka Baptist Church, Keysville, with interment at Eureka Baptist Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Lewis’s honor to Charlotte County Rescue Squad or Eureka Baptist Church Cemetery Fund.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville was in charge of arrangements.