Melvin Frank Withee

Melvin Frank Withee, 86, of Atlanta passed away Monday, October 17, 2011, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta following a stroke.

He was born June 15, 1925, in Marshall, Michigan to Frank and Laura Bossard Withee. Melvin was a graduate of Marshall High School. He married Jean DePriester Withee on April 16, 1948. Melvin served in the United States Marine Corps from 1943-1946. Following his military service in World War II he worked at the Kellogg company in Battle Creek, Michigan until relocating to Orlando, Florida in 1966. He was employed by the U.S. government and worked as a civil servant at the Navy Base in Orlando until his retirement.

A loving husband, father, and grandfather, Melvin will be remembered for many things including his famous grilled hamburgers, his impeccable lawncare, and sense of humor. He loved sports, especially baseball, following both the Detroit Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. He enjoyed traveling, reading, being outdoors, and spending time with his family at the beach at Ponce Inlet, Florida. He also had a genuine fondness for his church “family,” the Episcopal parish of St. Bartholomew in Atlanta.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Jean DePriester Withee, who died in 2005. Survivors include daughter, Carolyn Withee Scott of Atlanta; three grandchildren, Jennifer Mark Terpstra of La Crosse, WI, Christopher Michele Williams of Springfield, MO, and Geoffrey Emilie Williams of Brooklyn, NY; great-grandson, Nathanael Terpstra, of La Crosse; brother-in-law Coral Margaret DePriester of Moraga, CA; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Warren and Alton. In accordance with his wishes, Melvin’s body will be cremated and there will be a private family gathering at a later date. In addition to the clergy of St. Bartholomew, the Cremation Society of Georgia is assisting the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Music Department, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, 1790 LaVista Rd. NE, Atlanta GA 30329