Charles “Melvin” Wilkey, age 87 of Dayton, passed away Monday, January 10, 2022, at Rhea Medical Center in Dayton. He was born on December 23, 1934, in Chattanooga, the son of the late Charles M. “Ted” Wilkey and Hazel (Genoe) Wilkey. He was also preceded in death by his step-mother, Ruby Wilkey who raised him; his sister, Virginia Hood; and two grandsons, Daniel Wilkey and Ray Brady.
Melvin lived in Dayton most of his life, was employed as a semi-truck driver, and loved gardening, yardwork, and especially his family. He was a member of Maple Springs Baptist Church in Dayton.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Aileen (Thurman) Wilkey of Dayton; his three daughters, Hazel (Tony) Brown of Ringgold, GA, Kathy (Rick) Brady, and Tammie King, both of Dayton; his two sons, Charles (Laurie) Wilkey of Woodstock, GA, and Terry (Bobbie) Hall of Graysville; his two sisters, Meda Kessler of Soddy Daisy and Mamie
Sue (Frank) Shirley of Ringgold, GA; nine grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Services for Melvin will be held on Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Darrell Walden officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens.
Please share your memories and photos of Melvin on his online guest register at
www.vanderwallfh.com
The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends one hour before the service.