Obituary of Melvin Wilson Hampton

Melvin Wilson Hampton "Bunnie" answered the call to his Heavenly Father on February 15, 2020 peacefully at home surrounded by his wife and children at the age of 82. Born February 1, 1938 in Cartersville, Virginia to the late Martha and John Hampton, Melvin began his journey in life to become the man we all grew to know and love today. He received his education from New Hope School in Cartersville, VA before working alongside his father to help support his family. He was baptized at an early age and continued to practice his faith at New Hope Baptist Church in Cartersville, VA. Melvin met and fell in love with Marian Eva Hampton and they married on August 10, 1953. He built his first home on Hampton Road in which his four loving daughters were happily raised. He worked for the city of Richmond sanitation for 10 years and as a truck driver for Covance, transporting dogs from coast to coast for research. He would retire after 30 years of devoted service. Melvin enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, driving to Richmond, eating at Captain D's, listening to his favorite music from oldies to new school, maintaining his land, watching the news and attending church with his beloved wife. In his later years, Melvin's health gradually deteriorated. His acceptance of his Lord and savior and strength from his family extended his time beyond his medical diagnoses. It gave him a softness we treasured. During this time, he taught us patience and allowed us to show him a small measure of the dedication and compassion he had long showed all of us. He will be remembered for his loving heart, his generous smile, his wildly entertaining dance moves, his love for Ford cars, his unwavering work ethic and all his teachable moments. His loving memories will be cherished by: his wife, Marian Eva Hampton; his daughters, Bernice Crump (Freddie Sr.), Marian Taylor (Anthony, Sr.) and Edith Hampton-Keita (Mohamed); six grandchildren, Freddie, Jr. "Bo", Tasha, Mario, Anthony, Jr., Cree and Melvin; four great-grandchildren, Quentin, Omari, Madisyn and Noah; one brother, Leroy Hampton, Sr. (Orene) and a host of other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by: his sisters, Florene Trent and Mary Wade; his daughter, Julia Hampton and nephew, Leroy Hampton, Jr. "Booch". Melvin's greatest passion and legacy was the love for and from his family and friends. We have now lost one of our true Cartersville legends.