George A. Melvin

George Alvah Melvin

November 6, 1930 - December 15, 2023

Born on a farm near Magnolia, Delaware. The only son and eldest of four. Sisters: Barbara, Dottie and Mary Ann

Married Anna Margaret Jefferson - June 16, 1951. (Died March 7, 1992). Two sons: George Lee and Dale Lester. One daughter, Sharon Renee’, who died at birth.

Three granddaughters: Julia Heather Melvin Welcome-Osterberg (Scott)(daughter of George Lee), Lindsay Nicole Melvin Blessing (Justin) and Krystal Renee’ Melvin Horschel (Paul) (daughter of Dale).

Four great-granddaughters: Anna Madyson and Maycie Welcome (daughters of Julia); MacKensie Warrington, Paisley Blessing and Sydney Faith Blessing (daughters of Lindsay).

Married Doris Arline Dayton Lamos - August 14, 1993. (Died February 12, 2011).

Married Loraine Collins Wood - May 22, 2011.

Graduated from Caesar Rodney High School in 1949.

In 1951 attended Eastern Pilgrim College, graduated in 1956 with a five year (5) Bachelor of Theology degree.

Ordained in 1958 in the Delmarva District of The Wesleyan Church. Pastored churches in the Delmarva and Capital Districts.

Served as Business Manager of Delmarva Youth Camps for ten (10) years. On the District Board of Administration in the Capital District for several years.

Appointed Assistant District Superintendent of the Capital District in 1982. Elected as District Superintendent of the Capital District in 1984, serving eight (8) years.

Served as Chairman of the Chesapeake District Board of Ministerial Development for fourteen (14) years.

Developed and administered the Chesapeake District Ministerial Training Center for several years.

Served on the Board of Trustees of Bethany Bible College (presently named Kingswood University) (Canada) for twelve (12) years.

Charter member of The American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).

Served on the Board of Directors of Wesleyan Home Care, Inc. (assisted living facility) for several years.

Served on the Board of Directors of Wesleyan Heritage Community, Inc.(independent living facility) for several years.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Administration and board member of Calvary Wesleyan Church, Harrington, Delaware...many years.

Served the Wesleyan Church and affiliates for a total of forty-eight (48) years.

In 1957, as a part time position with the Dept. of Agriculture, measuring and identifying crop acreage.

In 1964 hired as the County Executive Director for the Dorchester County Agricultural Office.

In 1967 was promoted to the USDA in Washington, DC as an Agricultural Program Specialist, directing USDA National Farm Programs, which included being Deputy Director for the southeast US and Caribbean areas. Developed and administered a system to measure crop acreages from aerial 35mm slide images for USDA’s 3,000 counties. When he presented his concept to his peers their comment was: “you mean 3,000 independent county offices? It can’t be done!”

That was all he needed to hear, “It can’t be done!” His next step was when he presented his concept to his political boss, a California cotton farmer, which President Ronald Reagan brought into the Washington USDA office. His first comment in the form of a question was, George, how soon can you get it done? Designed and implemented the system in all 3,000 counties in 3 years.

Represented the Secretary of Agriculture, farmer and technical agricultural meetings.

Was given a hot line between the Secretary of Agriculture and the US Congress. received The President’s Council Award for Energy Efficiency from

President Jimmy Carter.

Nominated for “Who’s Who in Washington” in 1981.

Charter member - United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, DC.

Served as an agricultural representative under nine (9) Secretary’s of Agriculture and eight (8) Presidents.

USDA Career - 1957- 1989 = Thirty-one (31) years

Visitation will be10-11:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the Pippin Funeral Home, 119 W. Camden-Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, Delaware.  Graveside service will follow in Greensboro Cemetery, Greensboro, Maryland.

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