Melvin Lee Markham

Melvin Lee Markham, 81 of Goode Virginia passed away on June 4, 2018 after a long struggle with lung cancer.

Melvin was husband to his wife of 54 years, Hilda Wilmoth Craft, who went to the lord in 2014. He is survived by Larry Markham, Wade & Peggy Markham, three grandchildren, Heather, Nicholas, and Robert as well as two brothers Elbert and Wilbert and their wives Linda and Peggy.  He is preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ethel, his sister Evelyn, and three brothers Raymond, Bunkie, and Buford.

Born May 3rd, 1937, Melvin grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains on Jennings Creek and loved the outdoors.  He was a hunter in his youth and turned to farming to enrich his life and that of his family.  He was a very devout Christian and dedicated much of his life to the service of the Lord. He was very active with his church family at Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Cifax, VA. He served as a Deacon of the church and since he was a hands-on kind of guy, he enjoyed being a member of the building committee, constructing the pulpit and digging out the basement for a fellowship hall in the 1970’s.  He continued to be very involved in the growth of the church as he participated in many more construction projects over the years.

The farm was a never ending project that consumed much of his free time.  He used the farm to teach his sons to be self-sufficient and to have respect for the land.  He was supported by his neighbors in a loving community that is a rare find in today’s busy world.

Melvin was a loving husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

The visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00pm on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Tharp Funeral Home Bedford.  The funeral will be at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 6th, 2018 at Tharp Funeral Chapel in Bedford. To send condolences online please visit obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory Bedford is assisting the family.