Richard Melvin

Richard Melvin passed from this world the morning of October 1, 2022.  His wife, Margie Edwards Melvin, and daughter, Elizabeth “Betsy” Melvin Batten, were by his side.  He was born in New York City in 1941, a second generation American, to naturalized immigrant parents fleeing Czechoslovakia during World War II.  He grew up in Palm Beach, FL, and Highlands, NC, the eldest son of his mother, Marie Kreysa Melvin, and William Harvey Melvin.

After completing high school at Rabun Gap Nacoochee School, Richard attended Duke University.  He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and earned an undergraduate degree in English Literature.  He completed his Juris Doctor degree at the University of Florida.

In tandem with his law studies, Richard completed a thesis on the sixteenth-century Spanish exploration of America.  This proved to be a satisfying, lifelong adventure.  Through 60 years of study on the subject, Richard found himself traversing rivers and swamps and flying airplanes across NC, SC, GA, and FL; pouring over ancient texts, maps, and property records; and spending hours of study into the wee morning hours in libraries along the eastern seaboard and across the globe.  In a time before internet searches, Richard did the painstaking work of translation and discovery born of intense passion and curiosity.  He was no “armchair scholar.” Even into the final days of his life, Richard was having meetings to discuss his theory with friends, scholars, and archaeologists.  He was one of the first members of The Society for the History of Discovery, where he presented and discussed his research at various national meetings.

Richard was a faithful American and volunteered for service in the Navy as a JAG officer during the Vietnam War.  He served for five years , attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  He always said he learned to be a true professional in the United States Navy.  He was stationed on the USS Independence and in Subic Bay, Phillipines, but travelled around the world twice on various assignments, including investigation of the Forrestal fire and the Jordanian Crisis in the Mediterranean.

After his time in the service, Richard returned to Highlands and began over 50 years of service to the community as a lawyer with the firm, Jones, Key, Melvin, and Patton.  He was a true counselor, known for his professional integrity.  He had incredible foresight and an uncanny ability to see simple solutions through complex legal issues.  He was devoted to his clients and pursued each day with the determination to use his gifts and his knowledge to accomplish some part of a greater good.  In fact, he often began his daily conversations with his daughter with a pressing question: “Did you do any good today?”

In addition to his law practice, Richard served his community in various roles at Highlands United Methodist Church, Highlands Playhouse, Highlands Biological Station, Highlands Planning Board, Macon County Historical Society, Macon County Library, and Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

Along with his wife and daughter, Richard is survived by his son in law, Wise Batten, Jr; cherished grandsons Wise Henry Batten III and William Rhain Batten; his brother, William Melvin; brother-in-law, Donnie Edwards (Linda); and a host of treasured nieces and nephews, who have been a source of joy and support.  He was predeceased by his sister, Pauline Melvin Stevenson, and brother, Paul Douglas Melvin, and his loving parents.

Richard Melvin captured the treasure of a simple life.  He knew the blessings of a home filled with family and friends, laughter, delicious, home-cooked meals, and lots of good books.  We will celebrate Richard’s life on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Highlands United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends at a reception after the service.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Highlands-Cashiers Land Trust.

Online condolences can be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Melvin family.