Melvin Earl Gay

Melvin Earl Gay of Prince George, Virginia entered his eternal resting place with the Lord on May 8, 2023. He was born February 2, 1933, in Chesterfield, Virginia to the late Annie E. Gay and Ivron B. Gay.  He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Ann Yancey Gay, his son, Michael W. Gay (Diane) and daughter, Donna G. Edwards (Tim). He is also survived by three grandchildren, Amanda Corrigan (Eric), Ashley Elder (Ricky) and Jeremy Nugent, eight great grandchildren, Gabrien Elder, Caleb Elder, Declan Elder, Scarlett Corrigan, Jasper Corrigan, Jet Corrigan, Sybil Corrigan, and Evie Ann Nugent. Melvin is also survived by four step grandchildren, Faith Rebecca Driggers (Jody), Charity Burnett (James), David Edwards (Nancy) Seth Edwards (Evelyn) and seven step great grandchildren, Judah Edwards, Hazel Edwards, Ty Driggers, Randy Driggers, Hope Driggers, Leah Burnett, and Marielle Burnett.  He is survived by a brother-in-law, Wallace E. Yancey, and niece Marla Fleming (Tony).  Melvin retired from Allied Signal (Honeywell) after 35 years of service. He served his country in the Army and was a Korean War veteran.  He had a love of woodworking and was a true craftsman, building furniture for friends and family. He was always looked upon for vast knowledge related to any construction project the family may be undertaking. In the latter part of his life, he returned to a hobby that he had loved in his youth, which was acrylic painting on canvas.  He loved his family vacations together at the beach, as well as other family celebrations.  Most of all, Melvin loved the Lord and was a member of Swift Creek Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.  A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 13, 2023 in the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 3935 S. Crater Road Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Interment will follow in Blandford Cemetery Petersburg, Virginia.   The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Swift Creek Baptist Church 18510 Branders Bridge Road Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.