Melvin Love

MSG (retired) Melvin Eugene Love, 76, of 1507 West Main Street, Locust, NC went to be with his Lord and Savior on May 10, 2011 at Carrington Place in Matthews. The family will receive friends Friday, May 13 from 6-8 PM at Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland. The service will be held Saturday, May 14 at 4 PM at Locust Presbyterian Church. The burial will follow at Love’s Chapel United Methodist Church cemetery in Stanfield. Rev. Mack Sigmon will officiate the services. Military honors will be conducted by the Stanly County DAV. Mr. Love was born in Stanly County on June 26, 1934 to the late Johnny and Stella Love. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy Mark Love; brother, Hubert Love; and sister, Betty Barbee. Mr. Love is survived by his wife of 56 years, Glenda Jenkins Love of the home; daughter, Luann Kasimir and husband Peter, Sr. of Matthews; grandsons, Peter, Jr., Timothy, and Philip Kasimir of Matthews; brothers, Buford Love of Stanfield, Archie Love of Garden City Beach, SC; sister, Janie Hackenberg of Badin Lake. MSG Love dedicated 26 years of his life to honorably serving his country in the U.S. Army. During his career he was N.C.O.I.C of the Air Defense Nike Hercules Missile System. He served two tours of duty in South Korea and instructed the Korean military in the operations of the Hercules System. He served three years in Germany with the 35th Air Defense Attachment-B Nike Hercules System. His last two years he was N.C.O.I.C of the Patriot Missile System. MSG Love was honorably discharged November 1, 1983 from Ft. Bliss, TX where he served four tours of duty. He retired to Locust, N.C. and worked for the U.S. Postal Service in Charlotte where he later retired after twelve and half years of service. MSG Love received numerous awards and letters for meritorious service including the highly sought First and Second Oak Leaf Clusters. Despite the recognition, humility was his badge of honor. Melvin will be remembered as a man of integrity, a soldier who loved and faithfully served his country, a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a farmer who loved God and His creation, and a southern gentleman who worked hard to provide for his family and many friends. Glenda and Luann wish to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to the many friends who have encouraged them and Melvin during his courageous battle. Memorials may be made to Locust Presbyterian Church, 607 West Main Street, Locust, NC 28097; or to Love’s Chapel UMC Cemetery Fund, 808 South Love Chapel Road, Stanfield, NC 28163. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Love family.