Melvin Cleo Rich

Melvin Cleo Rich, also known as, Daddy, PopPop, Cool Uncle Melvin, Melly Mell, Big Dog and Rich, was one of nineteen children, born to Robert and Mazie Rich in Ditchley, VA.

Educated in the Northumberland County School system, Melvin moved to Baltimore, Maryland to start his adult life. One day, while out with his brothers walking down North Avenue in Baltimore, his eye caught a noticeable and beautiful lady name Ernestine, who picked him out and said, “I want that one!” They moved back to Virginia, and it was there, on January 4,1964 they became one. To this union, four children were born; Michelle, Eva, Melvin Jr., and Tori.

Melvin began working in the Westmoreland County School System, on January 3, 1973 and it was there, after 31 years, that he retired on July 1, 2004.

In 1995, him and his son, Melvin, Jr. started a trucking business known as M. C. Rich & Son Trucking.

Melvin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on April 7, 2021. On Monday, November 8, 2021, with his children around his bed, they lovingly said, “It’s okay Daddy, you don’t have to fight or be in pain anymore! We will be okay. Tell Mom we Love her.” At 3:15pm, with peace and a smile, he gently closed his eyes, and entered into eternal rest.

Proceeding him in death was his wife, Ernestine Rich, his granddaughter Preshas Rich, his parents, Robert & Mazie Rich, 6 brothers, Robert, James, Charles, Odell, Oliver, Thornton, Carroll, and Franklin. 2 sisters, Delma and Louise.

He leaves to cherish his memories – three daughters: Michelle Rich & Tori Rich of Haynesville, VA; Eva Lucas of Aylett, VA; one son: Melvin Rich (Shenita) of Haynesville, VA. fifteen grandchildren: DeAndra (Robert) Quentin, Quentia (Donte), Bryttani (Malcolm), Damian, Keon (Salenia) , Khalil, Destini, Ahmerah, Ashayla, Avahnti, AhVyan, Xavier, D’Ari, Nycolas; twelve greatgrandchildren:  Dylan, Kaidyn, Za’Kai, Bryce, Braelyn, Markell, Carsyn, Kingston, Mason, Kaison, Jouri, London; one goddaughter: Shamara Hampton three brothers: Raymond Rich (Barbara) of Kilmarnock, VA; Glendon Rich of Los Angeles, CA & Lee Rich of Baltimore, MD. five sisters: Pearl Conaway, of Farnham, VA Jacqueline Rich, Bessie Williams, Frances Jones, Glendora Rich all of Baltimore , Md. four sister-n-laws: Barbara, Lucille Etherline & MaryAnn, three brother-n-laws: Ulysess Turner, Sr., Clarence Burrell & Jason Burrell. A devoted nephew: Elvis Rich, who stuck with him daily til the end.

Men like Sons who looked up to him to include: Raymond Lucas, Sr., Randolph Veney & Steven Reed. Close Friends: Robert Bailey, Jr. Walter Bailey, Lewis Bailey. A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

Services of Remembrance for Melvin Rich will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3PM in the sanctuary of the Community's Christian Church, 9514 Richmond Road, Warsaw, Virginia.

Interment will follow in the Lyells Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.2028 Rich Neck Road, Warsaw, Virginia

Remains may be viewed from 6PM until 8PM on Friday, November 12, 2021 and from 1PM until service time on Saturday at the Community's Christian Church 

Please continue to follow CDC Guidelines as posted, your continued support is greatly appreciated.

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