Melvin Raleigh Keech, Sr. | Eastern NC Now

    Melvin Raleigh Keech, Sr., age 82, a resident of Belhaven, died, Thursday January 16, 2025, at Wake Medical Center.

    A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington with Rev. Kevin Whaley officiating. Burial will follow in Pamlico Memorial Gardens. Zack Keech, Caden Keech, John Richards, Lynn Cutler, Jonah Cutler, Bert Hodges, Jr., and Eric Cahoon will serve as pallbearers.

    The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington.

    Melvin was born on December 1, 1942, in Beaufort County to the late Raleigh Oliver Keech and Edith Windley Keech. He was a graduate of Pantego High School. On March 15, 1996, he married Gaye Hodges. Melvin started his career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a salesman in New Bern, he then opened J.D. Dawson Catalog Store in Greenville. Melvin took over as owner and operator of Hub Rec in Belhaven. He later opened Mel's Restaurant in Pantego, some years later he opened Mel's II in Chocowinity, and then Mel's Galley in Washington. He and his wife Gay owned and operated Q-Tyme in Washington. Melvin loved boating, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

    Survivors include is wife, Gay Hodges Keech of the home, his children, Chad Keech (Melissa) of Pantego, Samantha Hudnell (Michael) of Belhaven and Ilce Alligood (Lewis) of Washington, sister, Margaret Patras of Virginia Beach, VA, grandchildren, Zack Keech, Caden Keech, Nick Windley, Piper Hudnell, Willa Hudnell, Kai Alligood and Ariel Alligood, great grandchild, Molly Keech.

    Memorial contributions may be made to Beaufort County Humane Society, P.O. Box 33 Washington, NC 27889.

    Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Keech family.