Melvin Jay Proffit
MANSFIELD: "Two things, the Lord is coming back and when he does are you ready?" Those who knew Melvin well enjoyed his strong faith, his love for Christ and his want for others to share the same love. Melvin Jay Proffit went in the arms of his savior and passed away peacefully at his home on November 17, 2015. He was 65.
He was born December 22, 1949 in Swords Creek, Virginia to parents Herbert Jay and Edith (Miller) Proffit. After he graduated from Mansfield Senior High School with the class of 1968, he proudly served his country for the US Army in Vietnam as a medic. Melvin was later stationed in Hawaii for 18 months and served a total of 7 years.
When Melvin returned home he spent time taking care of his mother until a beautiful young lady named Hazel Ann caught his eye and the pair soon married in 1982. He worked for 20+ years for the Mansfield News Journal and later for Mansfield Hardware.
Known for always putting others first and giving the shirt off his back, Melvin was friends with and was loved by many. He truly enjoyed photography and spent many years capturing pictures for events, weddings, and family. He was a long time member of People's Baptist Church and spent 10+ years traveling with and taking pictures for the Rock of Ages Prison Ministry. Above all though, he took so much pleasure in spending time with his grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his children, Amy (Justus) Snow, Theresa (Jonathon) Drummond, and Michelle (Kevin) Fairchild; grandchildren, Benjamin, Chloe, Isaac, Titus, Annaleah, Christian, Emily, Nicolas, Hannah, Hailey, and Jacob; sisters, Loretta (John) Stone, and Connie (Lonnie) Wilson; nieces and nephews, John Jay Mauritz, Laurie Madden, and Jeff (Angela) Wilson.
In addition to his parents, Melvin Jay was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Ann Proffit.
His family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2015 in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home Finefrock Chapel with a service at 11 a.m. Friday, November 20, 2015 at People's Baptist Church, 223 Vanderbilt Road, Mansfield. Pastor James Spencer will officiate with military honors and burial to follow at Mansfield Memorial Park.
Contributions in his memory to People's Baptist Church may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to serve Melvin's family and encourage you to share a fond memory or message of condolence to them at
SnyderFuneralHomes.com
