Deacon Melvin Lyttle Sr.

In Memory

Melvin Andrew Lyttle Sr a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, peacefully transitioned from this life on September 19, 2024 at his home in Surry, Virginia. Melvin was born on October 30, 1942 to the late Pearl Anna Pierce Lyttle and George Andrew Lyttle Sr. both of Surry Virginia. He attended L.P. Jackson High School in Dendron, Virginia.

After school Melvin was eager to enter the workforce. Being able to help provide for his Mom and younger siblings was of great importance to Melvin. He was a hard worker. Melvin made a career of management in Shipping with Smithfield Packing Inc. in Smithfield Virginia where he worked for over 40 years. After retiring from there he went on to work part-time for Colonial Williamsburg in maintenance and Surry County Solid Waste Collection as a site attendant.

Melvin married his high school sweetheart Virginia on June 25,1966. And to this union four children were born, Glenn, Wayne, Melvin Jr and Kisha. Melvin loved and cherished his family .At a young age Melvin believed there was nothing he couldn’t do. And because of this belief he was given the nickname “Big Skeet.” This nickname followed him throughout his life. Through the years, Melvin enjoyed playing and coaching softball. In his younger years he prided himself in being able to outrun his children, often challenging them in racing competitions. After the grandchildren came along, he continued outrunning them as well. He was a diehard fan of the infamous Dallas Cowboys. Melvin was an outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing and gardening.

As a young child Melvin joined Mt Nebo Baptist Church and remained a member until later as an adult, he along with his wife became members of Unity Tabernacle of Surry Virginia, under the leadership of Bishop Otis J. Smith. When his assignment there was fulfilled, Melvin became a disciple of Olive Branch Baptist Church, in Suffolk Va. under the leadership of Rev. Glenn Lyttle Sr, where he served as Chairman of the Deacon Ministry for many years. He was a dedicated servant of the ministry, doing whatever he could, whenever needed. When his health began to fail, he was honored as Deacon Emeritus.

Melvin along with his parents was preceded in death by two brothers Wesley Pierce, Joe Earl Lyttle; one sister Orine Jones; four brothers in law; Robert Williams Jr; Roger Lee Williams; Harold Brown; Calvin Jones and three sisters-in-law Mary Lyttle, Shirley Pierce and Mildred Lyttle.

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted and caring wife of 58 years, Virginia; their children Glenn (Carol) Smithfield, Va; Wayne (Nina) Williamsburg, Va; Melvin Jr. (Lynette) Dendron,Va; LaKisha Howell (Ron) Disputanta, Va; their 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters; Nannie Brown Hopewell,Va; Rosetta Brown Hopewell, Va; 2 brothers; George Lyttle Jr (Dottie) Waverly; James Lyttle (Judy) Surry, Va; 3 sister in-laws Ruth Chestnut (Thomas) Williamsburg, Va; Nancy Canady (Willie) Petersburg, Va; Rosa Williams Charles City, Va ;2 brothers in law; Earnest Williams (America) Williamsburg, Va; Jeremiah Williams Dendron, Va; Lewis Williams (Linda) Midway, Georgia and Lorenzo Doles (Ernestine) Chesterfield, Va.

Melvin was loved by us all. His passing leaves a void for all that were touched by his love and kindness. You will be truly missed but never forgotten.

“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us “- Ephesians 3:20  

On Tuesday, September 24, 2024, Viewing will take place from 3-6pm, words of reflection will be heard from 5-6pm. At 11am on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, a Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Surry, VA. Please keep the Lyttle family in your prayers.