Melvin Malachi Chavis, 93, a resident of Magnolia Springs for 36 years, passed away Dec. 3, 2016.
He was born Jan. 23, 1923 in Covington County, Alabama.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 73 years, Virginia Reed Chavis; four children, Linda Chavis Baker (wife of deceased veteran Steve Baker), Thomas Melvin Chavis (Jackie), Marion Daniel Chavis (Karen) and Bob Mark Chavis (Stephanie); six grandchildren, Terri Chavis McCormick (Ken), Ashleigh Chavis Jackson (Chris), Salinda Judge Hamlin (Kevin), and Noelle Lynn, Parker Elizabeth, Cooper Reed Chavis; four great-grandchildren, Landen Riley Hamlin, Loghan Reed Hamlin, Conleigh Grace Jackson and Shelby Reed Jackson; and a brother, William Samuel Chavis.
Mr. Chavis was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Chavis and Destie Johnson Chavis; and siblings, Lenoria Mae Chavis, David Walker Chavis and James Simon Chavis.
Melvin and Virginia are founders of Chavis Furniture Co. in Chickasaw in 1952. They retired in 1975, and the business continues to operate as a family owned business by Tom and Dan.
Melvin won many awards during his lifespan. He was not only a Super Salesman of All Time, but he received the first Whirlpool dealership in the state of Alabama.
Melvin could catch fish in the worst seasons. Even before marriage, he had his sweetheart (Virginia) fishing. He was an outdoorsman and loved old fashioned gospel music.
Melvin and Virginia traveled America and the world.
Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial celebration in Magnolia Springs on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016 at 2 p.m. It will be officiated by Pastor Eddy Sullivan of BibleWay Assembly. For more information, call Linda at 251-228-0818.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Melvin Chavis' name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
