Melvin "Smiley" Burrell, Sr.

On Tuesday, March 8th, God extended his almighty hand of love and gently took Melvin Burrell Sr. to a home of joy, peace, and happiness. Smiley, as he was graciously known by his family and friends, was born on October 11th, 1951, to the late John Joshua Burrell and Susie Burrell of Westmoreland County. He received his education from the Westmoreland County Public Schools in Westmoreland County, Virginia.

Melvin accepted Christ as his personal savior at an early age, was baptized and became a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Oldhams, Virginia.

Melvin served in the United States Army in the early 1970’s.

He was employed at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, VA for over 20 years. He later started Burrell Trucking LLC (a for-hire trucking company) and enjoyed driving up until his health started declining.

On May 12th, 1978, he was joined in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Carolyn Burrell known as “Saffire” to him and his late brother, Bine Burrell.

Melvin was known for his bubbly sense of humor and calling everyone he loved either a “Monkey” or a “Dummy”. His positive demeanor and affectionate smile always lit up every room he entered. He regularly opened the doors of his home to many family members and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, John and Susie Burrell; a sister, Mary Burrell (Mamie); three brothers, Eddie, Tommy, and Howard Burrell; five brothers-in-law, Charles Gordon, Melvin Thompson, Sylvester Thomas, Charles Byrd, and Willie Owens; and two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Thomas and Deborah Tate.

He leaves to cherish fond memories; his loving wife, Carolyn, a son; Melvin Burrell Jr. (Mechanicsville, VA); two daughters, Taunya Walker (Columbia, SC) and Sierra Burrell (Camp Springs, MD); one grandson, Elijah Walker (Sanford, NC); one granddaughter, La’Naiya Wilson (Camp Springs, MD); three sisters, Louise Thompson (Hague, VA), Rosie Burrell (Montross, VA), and Susie Burrell (Red Bank, NJ); two brothers, John Burrell Jr. (Evangelist Sallie) (Oldhams, VA) and Austin Burrell (Thelma) (Warsaw, VA); seven sisters-in-law, Earnestine Thompson (Henry) (Washington, DC), Juanita Nutt (George) (Montross, VA), Theresa Owens (Hague, VA), Mary Byrd (Colonial Beach, VA), Helen Sydnor (Allen) (Oldhams, VA), Barbara Johnson (Montross, VA), and Joyce Jones (Hague, VA); five brothers-in-law, Richard Wilson Sr. (Hague, VA), Garfield Johnson Jr. (Margaret) (Hague, VA) Earl Johnson (Clinton, MD) James Johnson (Carolyn) (Colonial Beach, VA), and Kenneth Johnson (Hague, VA); a special friend who was like a father, Thomas Thompson Sr. (Sonny); a bonus son, AJ Wright; his pet, “The Cat”; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Service of Remembrance will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 12 Noon in the sanctuary of the Jerusalem Baptist Church, 2404 Nomini Hall Road, Hague, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mr. Burrell may be viewed from 4PM until 6PM on Friday, March 18, 2022, in the chapel of the WELDON-FISHER FUNERAL HOME and from 10AM until service time on Saturday at Jerusalem Baptist Church.

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