Melvin Blake

Melvin L. Blake, 82, a retired Arborist of Topping, Virginia passed away Thursday, December 14, 2017 at his home. He was a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Topping and a lover of the water which included the Rappahannock River, Chesapeake Bay and their tributaries. Melvin is survived by his wife, Shirley Hubbard Blake; daughters, Pattie B. Beaver (Bobby), Lynn B. Payne (Ross), Carol B. Matthews (Wayne), Bea B. Fleet (E.G.), Paige B. Gallicchio (Jerry); a son, Steve M. Blake (Sue); a sister, Emily B. Chowning. Also surviving are grandchildren, Jamie Rainier (Lori), Travis Gallicchio. Ashley Gallicchio, Meghan Blake, Morgan Blake; great grandchildren, Hunter Rainier, Lilly Bohannon and Chloe Hall; brother-in-law, Clay Shelton and sister–in-laws, Beatrice Blake and Shirley F. Blake and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, December 17th in Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Topping with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday. Arrangements by Faulkner Funeral Homes, Bristow-Faulkner Chapel, Saluda.