Melvin Boone

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Melvin R. Boone
SUFFOLK—Melvin R. Boone, 77, died May 22, 2009.
The Rev. Boone was the seventh of 13 children born to the late Nathaniel Boone and Queen E. Wiggins Boone, April 1, 1932, in Gates County, N.C.
He was educated in the Gates County public school system.
After graduating from high school, he continued his pursuit of higher education.
He received his bachelor’s degree from Shaw University in Raleigh, N.C.
He later received his Doctrine in Divinity degree from Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg, formerly the Virginia Seminary and College.
The Rev. Boone was a public school teacher for the school districts of Suffolk, Virginia Beach and Norfolk. At the tender age of 18, the Rev. Boone received his call into the ministry.
In 1953, he was selected as pastor of First Baptist Church Creedmor in North Carolina.
He served as the pastor for five years before accepting the call to pastor at First Baptist Church Lynnhaven in Virginia Beach where he served six years.
In 1966, Melvin accepted the position as pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Suffolk where he served diligently for 34 years before retiring.
He served as pastor emeritus of Metropolitan Baptist Church until his time of death. From 1999-2003, the Rev. Boone served as interim pastor at Cannan Baptist Church in Suffolk, First Baptist Church Taylorsville in Portsmouth and Piney Grove Baptist Church in Franklin.
The Rev. Boone served as the 14th president of Virginia Seminary and College in Lynchburg (1988-1990), he resigned from his duties due to health reasons and accepted the position of director of development and planning.
He served as the president/CEO of Melvin R. Boone Foundation (1990-1999).
The Rev. Boone was also a member of Prince Hall Mason and Civil Queen Lodge.
Survivors include his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Dr. Ruth Lamb Boone; a sister-in-law, Dr. Joyce McNair; a brother-in-law, the Rev. Dr. Nathaniel McNair Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, other family and friends.
A service of remembrance will take place at 1 p.m. today in Tabernacle Christian Church, the Rev. Dr. Leonard Smith, president of Virginia Baptist State Convention, eulogist, and the Rev. Dr. Robert L. Hobbs, pastor of Metropolitan Baptist Church, officiator.
Interment will immediately follow in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.
T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements.