Melvin Lavon Jones

Melvin Lavon Jones, age 85, of Dasher, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2020, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.
The eldest of five children, Melvin was born in Lax, Georgia, to parents Jordan and Bessie Acorn Jones. He graduated from Ambrose High School in 1953 and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1954 to 1958. In 1960, he met the love of his life, Madeline Spivey, and they were married on June 25, 1961.
In 1965, Melvin and Madeline moved to Valdosta and subsequently in 1973 to Dasher, where he lived until his passing. He was a long-time member of the Forrest Park Church of Christ and the Dasher Church of Christ, serving as a deacon at both churches. Melvin was a gentle giant, who faithfully and humbly served the Lord and others his whole life.
In 1986, Melvin started a transportation broker business, Melvin L. Jones Logistics, which he built into a thriving enterprise and managed until his retirement in 2014.
Melvin was a beloved member of the Dasher community, known and appreciated for his friendly hospitality and kind generosity. Among other things, Melvin enjoyed entertaining and cooking for friends and family, regularly hosting large gatherings at “the barn,” a warm gathering spot for members of the community. He had an exuberance and joy for life that were readily apparent to all who came into contact with him. In addition to serving as host and cook, Melvin enjoyed RV road trips across the country with Madeline, freshwater and saltwater fishing, raising chickens, cultivating orange and lemon trees, playing cards with family and friends, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Melvin will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 59 years, Madeline, daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Mark Godwin, daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Kent Coppage, and grandchildren, Bess English (and husband Rhett), Steven Godwin, Quin Godwin, and Lillian Coppage, and great-grandchildren, Truman and Marshall English, and Logan, Brantley, and Carter Godwin. Melvin was pre-deceased by his brother, Sam Jones, and is survived by sisters and brothers-in-law Clarene and James Harrell, Elma and Leroy Spivey, and Johnnie and J.A. Daniel, brother Ray Jones, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Dasher Cemetery at 10am on Saturday, October 17, 2020 with Mr. David Nelson officiating. His family requests that everyone in attendance wear masks. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Melvin’s memory to Georgia Christian School. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.