Melvin Leroy Chieves, Sr.

Mr. Melvin Leroy Chieves, Sr. was born on January 11, 1956, in Alamo, Georgia, to Leroy and Jimmie Lee Chieves of Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Northwestern Junior High School and William M. Raines Senior High School. His favorite class was woodshop, which allowed him to utilize and enhance the carpentry skills he acquired under the tutelage of his father.

A jack of many trades, Melvin learned to drive dump trucks as a teen and later drove semi-trucks commercially from coast to coast. However, he eventually returned to his first love—carpentry—and added plumbing and electrical work to his skill set. Family was very important to Melvin, and he cherished being in the presence of his children and grandchildren, always ready to support and applaud each milestone. He often shared with them, and with others, the wisdom he had gained through personal struggles and triumphs after committing his life to a closer walk with the Lord.

Melvin will be remembered most for his charismatic personality, innate wit, and compassion for others. He had a carefree spirit and made friends easily and widely. He found humor in everyday life, which made him a joy to be around. Melvin smiled and laughed with nearly everyone he encountered—and it came effortlessly. He maintained a modest lifestyle and found deep satisfaction in helping others, whether through his time, skills, or other resources.

Melvin was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Chieves; mother, Jimmie Lee Chieves Dickens; brother, Carett Chieves; brother, Lonzie Lee Chieves, who passed away on June 26, 2025; and sister, Voncreasha Grant.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Melba K. Wiggins (Cecil), Lynette Rawls-Thomas, Lakesha A. Chieves, and Lashawda D. Chieves; his son, Melvin L. Chieves, Jr.; his grandchildren, Corey, Jessica, Terrell, Sienna, Jasmine, Jeremiah, Asiah, Xaverion, Millyana, Jocelyn, Melvin III, Kennedi, Cameron, Christian, D’Anthony, Kendrix, and Journee; fourteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Leroyal “L.C.” Chieves (LaShawn), Leroyal R. Chieves (Lisa), and Leroyal Chieves (Cherrylyn); sisters: Cynthia James, Cecilia Chieves, and Latrease Jones; sister-in-law, Nanette Chieves; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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