Melvin Whitfield

Melvin Whitfield , 93 of Chapel Hill passed away peacefully on March 18, 2015. He was born in White Cross, Bingham Township on March 16, 1922 and was the son of the late John and Swannie Whitfield. He was a retired dairy farmer and raised and bred quarter horses. He spread his love of horses to his children in taking them and their friends to horse shows and sales. He was a lifetime honorary member of the Piedmont Horseman’s Association as he donated his riding ring and facilities for many organizations in Orange and Chatham county for fundraisers. South Orange Rescue squad raised enough money from their horse shows at his farm to purchase the jaws of life. He was actively involved with Orange County 4-H clubs and with the Orange County 4-H Western Riders. He served Orange County as a commissioner, often being the deciding vote in many issues. He felt that water was one of the most important resources in the land. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Lennie (Linda) Viola Russell Whitfield, his eldest son, Bruce Russell Whitfield, a twin sister at birth, sisters, Lucy W. Pollard, Welmore Lee Whitfield and a brother John Raymond Whitfield. He is survived by his sons, James (Joyce) of Sneads Ferry, Tom (Sondra), and Lyndon (Karen) Whitfield and a daughter Lucy (Tim) Upchurch; ten grandchildren, Jennifer (Gary) Harless, Maire (Jeremy) Stilley, John Thomas, Brian, Stephanie, Ryan, and Rhett Whitfield, Wyatt (Jamie), Tyler, and Spike (Lisa) Upchurch.; two great-grandchildren, Ella Harless and Meko Stilley. He is survived by two sisters, Blanche Norwood and Mary Andrews; three brothers, Albert, Wade, and Franklin Dee Whitfield. Pallbearers will be Wyatt, Tyler and Spike Upchurch, Jennifer Harless, Marie Stilley, John Thomas, Brian, Stephanie, Ryan and Rhett Whitfield. His funeral will be held at Antioch Baptist Church at 2pm on Saturday, March 21 with visitation from 6 to 8pm on Friday, March 20 at Antioch Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516. Online condolences may be sent to www.mcclurefuneralservice.net