Obituary of John Ray Melville

John Ray Melville, 65, of Lugoff, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Born in Sturgis, Michigan on May 4, 1958, he was the son of the late Warren “Pete” Charles Melville and Luella Scarlett Melville and the husband of 31 years to Felicia Ann Pritzen Melville. John was a US Army Veteran, retiring after 24 years of faithful service. After his military service, John worked as a Management Analyst with the Federal Government, retiring in 2023. John grew up on a dairy farm in Michigan, which gave him a lifelong passion for gardening and being outdoors. He also had a heart for children and babies, serving as a foster parent to many for over 18 years and eventually adopting 8 children. John was a true family man who will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife, John is survived by his sons, Johnny Melville, Jason Heinrichs, Anthony Melville, and Benjamin Melville; daughters, Tasha Carter (Ethan), Sarah Melville, Joselin Melville, Kassi Melville, Olivia Melville, Michelle Melville, Larissa Melville, and Emma Melville; grandchildren, Vaida Carter, Owen Carter, Miguel Melville, Noah Melville, Ava Melville, and Bryson Melville; as well as his sisters, Cindy Egnor and Barbara Springsteen.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Melville; and sister, Terry West.  

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Powers Funeral Home, Lugoff. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service, beginning at 10:00am. Burial with military honors will be held at 12:00pm on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia.

Memorials may be made to the ALS Association, www.donate.als.org