Melville Edward Thurmond, 80, of Lynchburg, died Monday, September 26, 2011. He was the devoted husband of the late Edith Patterson Thurmond for 45 years.
Melville was born in Faber, Va. son of the late Charlie Boaz Thurmond and Sallie Harriet Bowling Thurmond.
Melville was a Senior Training Specialist for Western Electric also known as Lucent for over 25 years. He served in the Navy for four years and attended Covenant Presbyterian Church. Melville is best known for his love and devotion to his family & grandchildren. He was also devoted friend and had numerous friendships lasting over 60 years. Dad enjoyed working on and around his home and that no project was too challenging. He was also involved with the Hilliard (Ohio) Girl\"™s Softball Association and a volunteer driver with the Bedford Ride of Bedford County.
His survivors include a son, H. Bruce (Vickie) Thurmond of Hilliard, OH; daughters, Kimberly Blair Lepp & husband James of Cumming, GA, Susan Leigh Sansbury & husband Timothy of Powell, OH, and six grandchildren: Geoffrey Blake Lepp, Allison Paige Lepp, Taylor Rains Sansbury, Ethan Tyler Sansbury, Sean Stephen Lawrenz & Alicia Lynn Lawrenz.
He was preceded by a son, Stephen Andrew Thurmond, a brother, William Thurmond, sisters, Louise McDearmon & Virginia Newman.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 30, 2011 from 4-5:30 pm at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory with a service immediately following with Margie Anderson officiating, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg.
Those wishing to contribute may make donations to the Covenant Presbyterian Church, 108 Melinda Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502 or to the Bedford Ride, 1613 Oakwood Street, Bedford, VA 24523.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, 434-237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.