Melvin Kuykendall Obituary

AHOSKIE, NC - Mr. Melvin Wayne Kuykendall, age 84, of NC Hwy 461, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 7, 2024 at his home, Melvin left behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love.
Mr. Kuykendall was born on February 22, 1940 to Gus Melvin Kuykendall and Pearl Lucretia Whisenant Kuykendall in Ashtole, TX. A proud veteran, Melvin dedicated 28 years of his life to the United States Navy, where he served as a Chief Electronics Warfare Technician. Enlisting in 1959, he was deeply committed to his country, completing four tours in Vietnam before retiring in 1987. His career was marked by his unwavering courage, resilience, and expertise, earning him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and subordinates. Melvin's passions extended beyond his military service. In his younger years, he found joy in working on cars, a hobby that allowed him to combine his technical skills with his love for hands-on projects. Later in life, he could often be found sitting around enjoying ice cream, famously stating that "you are never too old for eating ice cream." His simple joys were reflective of his genuine and down-to-earth nature.
At the core of his life was an unwavering devotion to his family. Married to his beloved wife for 61 years, Melvin deeply cherished the bonds of family, offering them his steadfast support, wisdom, and unconditional love. His enduring partnership stood as a testament to his commitment and loyalty. Though Melvin is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his service to his country, his mechanical talents, his sweet tooth, and his profound love for his family. Rest in peace, Melvin Wayne Kuykendall. Your legacy of dedication and love will be cherished forever.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Juanita Haws, Viola Seagraves, Corin Lafton, Norman Kuykendall, and Frank Kuykendall.
Left to cherish Melvin's memory is his beloved wife Rose, two sons, Bill Kuykendall of Ahoskie, and Melvin Wayne Kuykendall, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA; a daughter, Wanda Louise Kuykendall-Repko and husband Tom of Mechanicsville, VA; three granddaughters, Shelbi Sanders of West Virginia, Sarah Repko of Bilbao, Spain, and Ashley Rose Repko of Richmond, VA; a great-granddaughter, Adriana Nicole Smith of West Virginia; two great-grandsons, Caden Allen Metzger of Norfolk, VA, and Wren Illey Samuel of Richmond, VA; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
A celebration of life service will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, NC with Rev. Rick Lowery officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior at 1:00 pm at the funeral home and other times at the home. There will be a burial at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA at a later date.
The Kuykendall family extends a heartfelt thank you to the compassionate staff with Gentiva Hospice for their love and dedicated care shown to Melvin over the last several months during his health declining. Words can't express how much they appreciate them and for always being there for them.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 200 Green St #203, Williamston, NC 27892 or online by clicking on he following link https://www.tmcfunding.com/funds/in-loving-memory-of-melvin-kuykendall/10442/
Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Kuykendall family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.
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