On July 24, 2025, at 1:21 P.M., God called His son home, Melvin "Doc" Ellis, Sr., while surrounded by his daughter after a short battle with cancer. He was born on December 22, 1955, to the late Ernest Ellis, Sr. and Anna Mae Ellis in Wakefield, VA.

Melvin had a short education, but he was very sharp in his mind. He was very smart and intelligent when it came to many things.

Melvin started his work career at the age of 8 standing on a milk crate washing dishes alongside his mother. He later moved on to becoming the head peanut cook that put Virginia Diner on the map. His peanuts travelled all over the world. He perfected the cooking process so well that all he had to do was pinch a peanut to tell if it was done to perfection. Everyone that worked with Melvin will have memories of him walking through the building singing his "country songs", especially his favorite, "Stoop Down Baby". He worked at Virginia Diner for fifty-one years and retired in December of 2019. His legacy there will always be remembered.

Melvin was a pillar in his community and a role model to many. He also had a passion and love for baseball as a pitcher. He was known for his famous "curve ball". You never saw it coming when he threw it. He played with the Wakefield Braves for many years and also played and helped manage the Dendron Red Sox alongside his brothers, son and many more.

Melvin's other hobbies included fishing, playing music, cutting grass and riding around on his scooter. He also was a die-hard Las Vegas Raiders fan and he loved his black, gray and white.

Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Linda "Snoopy" of forty-two years; two brothers, Ernest "Bubba" Ellis, Jr. and Charles "Hooker" Ellis; and his three sisters, Ethel Johnson, Esther "Pep" Johnson and Juanita "Toots" Jones.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories: two children, Melvin "Boss/Kick" Ellis, Jr., and Devonia "ToSho/Rudy" Ellis both of Wakefield, VA; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Dante, Adrianne, Xiomarra, Loren Jr., Nasir, Nadia and Ja'Vionna; bonus granddaughter, JaMiyah Johnson; three sisters, Charlene Jones, Angelane Ricks and Margaret Eley (devoted); two brothers, devoted Calvin Ellis (Deborah) and Milton Ellis; five godsons, Russell Dabney, Rod Ruffin, Rodney Hill (Brenda), Drexel Pierce (Melissa) and George Brown; one goddaughter, LaCoura Ricks; seven sisters-in-law, Delbra Holloman (Joseph), Sharon Smith (Terry), Theresa Jones, Ada Finney, Ella Artic, Pam Sumler and Cassandra Sumler; seven brothers-in-law, Andrew Sumler (Gladis), James King (Wendy), Marshall King (Karon), Jim King, Dennis King, Jerry King and Gerald Jones; devoted aunt, Ada Mae Sumler; devoted friends, Winford Jones (Gracie), Michael Jones (Cynthia), Pat Bowden and Earl "Slick Rick" Stith; special devoted neighbor, Mary Dabney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends that will treasure the moments and memories shared with him.

Special thanks to his VOA Doctors and Medi-Health Hospice Staff, especially Ms. Kendra Scott.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Pocahontas Temple Baptist Church, 10234 Branch Street, Wakefield, VA, the Rev. Tyrone Newby, eulogist, Apostle Jullian Ricks, officiant. The interment to follow at Booker T. Memorial Cemetery.

A wake will be held from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Friday, August 1, 2025, at the church.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, watch the funeral services live online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.