Gretna......Melvin Gatewood Saunders, age 80, of 3588 Pittsville Road, Gretna died Wednesday, December 8, 2010 at Lynchburg General Hospital.
Born May 23, 1930 in Pittsylvania County, he was a son of the late Risque Craig Saunders and Myrtle Gay Divers Saunders. Mr. Saunders was predeceased by a sister, Jewell Rowland. He was a member and Deacon of Summersett Baptist Church and was an US Marine veteran. He retired from Klopman after 44 years of service. Melvin enjoyed car racing, fishing and softball.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Gauldin Saunders of the residence; three daughters, Donna Brooks and husband, Ronnie, Wanda Doss, and Beverly Jones and Mike Kinsler all of Gretna; two brothers, Hubert Saunders of Gretna, and Dale Saunders of Altavista; one sister, Louise Brumfield of Pittsville; three grandchildren, Tommy and Misty Brooks, Sandy and John Ritchie, and Tabatha and David Cox; six great-grandchildren, Maverick, Remington, and Ryder Brooks, and Syrus, and Shyenne Cox, and Haley Ritchie; one great-great-grandchild, John Barnitz; many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Carlton Pugh.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Summersett Baptist Church by Rev. Ryan Patterson, Rev. Bobby Brumfield, and Rev. Kenneth Amos. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 P.M. Friday, December 10, 2010 at Colbert-Moran Funeral Home and other times will be at the residence.
Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com.