Donald Graden Melvin of White Lake, NC, passed away on July 19th, 2024 at the age of 78. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert and Lillian, and his first wife, Helen.
He was born on March 16th, 1946 in White Lake, NC. Don spent his early years in White Lake enjoying hunting and playing sports. He served as a soldier in the Vietnam War, living in Okinawa with his wife Helen of 50 years along with their first born son DG Melvin. After coming home, they enjoyed years moving around North Carolina raising their DG, John, and Dawn. After raising their children, they took an entrepreneurial journey of traveling across the states selling gems and jewelry. Eventually retiring in his home town of White Lake, he renewed his status as a member of the White Lake Fire Department, Bladen County Shriners, Bladen Masonic Lodge, VFW, and Windsor Church. Don is survived by his three children, Donald G. Melvin II (wife, Sherry), John Melvin (wife, Bridget), and Dawn Ramsden (husband, Frank); grandchildren Donald G. Melvin III “Gray”, Rene, Braxton, Grant, William, Hudson, and Matthew; and great-grandchildren, Donald G Melvin IV “Grady”, and Zac. His namesake was one of his proudest legacies.
Don is also survived by his wife, Doretta Lennon Melvin of Bladenboro. For the last seven years, they enjoyed spending time watching wrestling, singing hymns, and taking in the views of White Lake. Together they drove miles and miles going back and forth to Dr appointments and stopping and seeing the sights between. She was his caretaker for the last years of his life. Together they are survived by her children Pamela Bryant (husband, Jimmy), Melissa Dawn Stone (husband, Donald) along with their children and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Windsor Church (12863 Hwy 242 N, Ammon NC) on July 27th at 3:00pm. Visitation will follow in the fellowship hall of the church for those who wish to visit with the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.
The family would like to thank their friends and extended family members for their support during this difficult time.
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