Melvin Barringer

Obituary: Ernest Melvin Barringer passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2015, after a short illness. He was 94 years old. He is survived by daughter Ann Barringer of Las Vegas, Nevada, son Steven Barringer and daughter-in-law Lana Barringer of McLean, Virginia, and son John Barringer and daughter-in-law Janet Barringer of Matthews, North Carolina. He is survived by sister Margaret Lucille Taylor of Kannapolis and brother Raymond "Turk" Barringer of Hampton Roads, Virginia. He is also survived by grandchildren David Gordon, Ashley Gordon-Hanks, Seth Gordon, Jacob Gordon, Matthew Barringer, Jessica Stowell, Joshua Barringer, Emily Barringer, Mattie Barringer, Aidan Barringer and Mia Barringer, and great-grandchildren Caleb Gordon, Spencer Gordon, Emma Gordon, Penelope Gordon Hanks, and Anna Gordon. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife Mattie Farley Barringer, second wife Beulah Gibson Barringer and third wife Dollie Balmer Barringer, brothers Harold Barringer and John Barringer, and sons David Eston Barringer and Philip Melvin Barringer. Melvin was born on New Year's Day, 1921 in China Grove, the son of Ernest Wilburn and Clara Cline Barringer. He grew up in China Grove and Kannapolis. He served in the United States Army in World War II, something he was proud of his whole life. Just before reporting for service, he married Mattie Juanita Farley, the mother of his five children: David, Philip, Ann, Steven and John. They lived on Linda Avenue in North Kannapolis and later on South Rose Avenue. Melvin was a proud employee of Cannon Mills for over 40 years. He rose to become an Overseer in the Distribution Department, from which he retired in 1986. He was a company man: dependable, hardworking, and loyal. Melvin was a member of the Kannapolis Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He served that congregation in many capacities, including as its Bishop, Financial Clerk and home teacher. He loved the scriptures, and to the end of his life could be heard saying his prayers softly before going to bed. Above all things, Melvin was a family man. He lived for his wife Mattie and their children, and made them the center of all his endeavors. He loved the companionship of family and friends. His cousin Sherwood Keener, of Kannapolis, was his fond and frequent companion, and survives him, along with many other beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. Melvin was a natural caregiver. He routinely put the needs of his family ahead of his own needs. He nursed three spouses as they struggled with terminal illnesses, and showed his quality by the way he cared for them with patience and love. In the last year of his life, Melvin lived at Morningside Assisted Living in Concord, where he received back the kindness and good care that he had been accustomed to giving others. The staff at Morningside are the best, and made Melvin comfortable and content in the last days of his life. In his later years, Melvin became "Pop" or "Papa" to his 12 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He gloried in them, and they loved him dearly. Sixteen of them are coming home to Kannapolis from North Carolina, Virginia, New York, Utah, and Nevada to celebrate his life. The family will receive visitors on Friday, February 27 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Whitley's Funeral Home, 1748 Dale Earnhardt Boulevard, Kannapolis, North Carolina 20803. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 1:00 P.M. at the Kannapolis Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1601 Cooper Avenue, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Cabarrus Meals on Wheels, 1701 South Main Street, Kannapolis, North Carolina 28081. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Friday February 27, 2015 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 1:00pm Saturday February 28, 2015 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Kannapolis, North Carolina

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park