Melvin "Mel" Heartwell Ogburn

Melvin H. "Mel" Ogburn, 87, died on July 31, 2010. Mel was a proud World War II army veteran and served his country afterwards until retiring as a member of the Virginia National Guard. He was also a retired volunteer of the Virginia Defense Force. Mel was the Fourth District Commander of the Virginia V.F.W. in 1969, Chief of Staff in 1970 and was installed as the National Deputy Chief of Staff of the United States V.F.W. in 1972-1973.

His private career included minority ownership of Sheffield Furniture Company of Blackstone, Va. Mel was a devoted and life long member of the New Hope Christian Church in Danieltown, Va. His passions in life included the Blackstone Lodge #79 A.F. & A.M., where he served as Secretary for many years, the V.F.W., his family and he was an avid golfer. Melvin was a founding member and past president of the Nottoway River Country Club. Mel was the beloved husband to the late Etta L. Ogburn.

He is survived by his two sons Lonnie J. Ogburn of Simpsonville, SC, Carl M. Ogburn and wife Shari of Pittsburgh,Pa. His brother Calvin and wife Sylvia of Richmond, Va. His five grandchildren Ashley, Joanna, Madi, Neal and Christian and two great-grandchildren Gage and Kendall.

Friends will be received at Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, 1826 Cox Rd, Business Hwy. 460, Blackstone, Va, on Tuesday, August 3 from 6 to 8:30 P.M. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 4 at 11 am, followed by graveside burial with Masonic Rites and Military Honors at the Lakeview Cemetery in Blackstone, Va. Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the New Hope Christian Church, 977 Flat Rock Rd., Alberta, VA 23821. Condolences and online registry is available at www.mcmillianfuneralhome.com.

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