Melvin Roy Hall, Jr. peacefully transitioned on November 16, 2021 in Richmond, VA. Born on November 18, 1928 in Cleveland, TN, he was the fourth of five children to his parents, Easter Thompson Hall and Melvin Roy Hall, Sr.
Melvin attended elementary and high school, at College Hill High School in Cleveland, TN and graduated in 1946.
After graduating from College Hill High School, Melvin Hall attended Knoxville College in Knoxville, TN for four years and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. Degree in Chemistry.
While attending Knoxville College, Melvin Hall met the love of his life, Florine Rosetta Hughes. Florine Hughes was a native of Ashland, VA visiting her sister in Knoxville, TN. According to Melvin, it was “love at first sight.”
Upon graduation from Knoxville College, Melvin Hall married Florine Hughes and served in the United States Air Force for four years.
Melvin Hall received an honorable discharge for his military service; and he, his wife, and new born son, Melvin Roy Hall, III, went to Ashland, VA for a two week vacation. Melvin and his family have lived in Ashland, VA since that vacation.Melvin’s wife of 50 years passed away in September of 2005.
While in Ashland, VA, Melvin Hall worked with the Hanover County Public School system from 1955 until 1991, as a high school math teacher and school bus driver, a high school principal, and an elementary school principal. During that time, Melvin earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Virginia State University. In 1992, Melvin Hall received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Education from Randolph Macon College.
Melvin loved the Town of Ashland and served the town whenever he was asked. After retirement from the Hanover County Public School system, Melvin Hall served as a member of the Ashland Town Council for six years, serving as Vice Mayor for two of those years and served as a member, and then Chairman of the Hanover County Board of Zoning Appeals.
Melvin also worked as a licensed real estate agent with a realtor in Richmond, VA and operated a home construction and renovation business, providing affordable home ownership for numerous residents in Ashland.
Melvin was a member of Saint James Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, TN and First United Presbyterian Church in Richmond, VA. Melvin also attended Shiloh Baptist Church in Ashland, VA.
Melvin enjoyed eating lunch—almost every day at noon—in the Ashland McDonald’s restaurant on #1 Highway, eating dinner at the Ashland Ponderosa, talking to his numerous friends and acquaintances, and meeting new people by initiating a conversation with whoever was sitting in the booths around him.
Melvin also enjoyed fishing on the Rappahanock River, and sharing his catch, by giving a Saturday evening fish fry for his friends and family.
Melvin had a host of good friends, all of which are now deceased; however, a few that we will mention here are his oldest niece, Charlotte Renee Jackson, Mr. Oswald Robinson, Mrs. Lacy Robinson, Mr. Robert Bracey, III, Mrs. Pauline Bracey, Mr. George Johnson, Mrs. Marion Johnson, Mrs. Marie Harrison, Mr. John Fleming, Mr. Jack LaFlore, Mr. Edward Whaley, Mr. Franklin (Tootney) Hughes, Mr. Charles (Brother) Hughes, Mr. Robert (Sini) Grimes, Mr. Charles (Son) Baylor and Mr. Claudius (Mick) Dabney.
Melvin demonstrated love, kindness, and generosity towards his family, everyday. He leaves to cherish his memory; one son, Melvin R. Hall, III (Cynthia); one devoted daughter, Naneaster F. Hall; three grandchildren, Melvin R. Hall, IV; Mark B. Hall (Daniella); and Megan Poonolly (Sunil); great grandchildren Santiago Hall, Octavia Hall, Semani Poonolly, Sunil Poonolly, and Samuel Poonolly; seven nieces and their respective families, Anna Maria Hughes Johnson (Charles)—Richmond, VA; Frankie Dianne Hughes—Alexandria, VA; Robbie Hughes Carey—Glen Allen, VA; Linda Morris Avila (Edgar)—Cleveland, TN; Rev. Brenda Hall Ware—Cleveland, TN; Willa Martin—Nashville, TN; Gwendolyn Martin Washington—Chicago, IL, Wyndolyn Hall—Cleveland, TN; four nephews and their respective families, Rev. Selma Hall (Beulah)—Cleveland, TN; Verna Hall (Kathy) Houston, TX, Harry Gash, Jr.—Cleveland, TN, Terry Gash—Cleveland TN; one grand niece, Santresda Johnson—Richmond, VA; two grand nephews, Franklin Hughes Carey—Glen Allen, VA; Charles (CK) Johnson—Richmond, VA; and friend, Arethea Williams.
His family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Commonwealth Senior Living, who lovingly cared for our “Dee”for the last three years.
Melvin Hall’s philosophy of life was “Always Strive to be the Best.” His favorite hymn was “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.”
Due to Limited Seating, the Funeral Service will be live-streamed via ZOOM:
Henry W Dabney Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Melvin Hall's Funeral
Time: Nov 30, 2021 01:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86384650114?pwd=VmdNQk1oNHlXcG5lZFZEMHJGRjBNdz09
Meeting ID: 863 8465 0114
Passcode: 118430
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,86384650114#,,,,*118430# US (New York)
+13017158592,,86384650114#,,,,*118430# US (Washington DC)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 863 8465 0114
Passcode: 118430
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdl2abwxml
