Melvin Cunduff Goad, 85, of Laurel Fork, went home to be with Jesus in the early dawn of Wednesday, September 13, 2006 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinsons disease and cancer. He passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones. He was born November 7, 1920 in Carroll County, to the late Robert Ennis Goad and Ruth Nester Goad. Melvin was in the army and served his country in Germany during World War II. He was a deacon of New Laurel Fork Primitive Baptist Church. Melvin was devoted to family and church. His lifes work was on the family dairy farm. Melvin worker and enjoyed the land and the cattle that roamed on it. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Early and Ethel Goad; brothers, Robert Paul Goad and Moir Goad; and a sister, Ninevah Floyd. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of fifty-six years, Sybil Joy McGrady Goad; son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Debbie Goad of Laurel Fork; granddaughter and husband, Melissa and Billy Higgs; grandson Brandon Adam Goad all of Laurel Fork; great grandchild Will Higgs of Laurel Fork; sisters, Omie Baker of Kannapolis, NC and Cova Nester of Hillsville; sister-in-law Carolyn Marie Goad of Blue Ridge; special nieces, Cherrie Anderson of Rocky Mount, and Deanna Baker of Concord, NC; special nephews, Robbie Goad and Jeff Goad both of Blue Ridge, also many other relatives and friends. All who knew Melvin will cherish his memory. His hard work is over and now his hands are at rest. Special thanks to Charlotte Easter, Tammy Luper, Sarah Snow and Twin County Hospice. Stanley Anderson, Robbie Goad, Jeff Goad, Brandon Adam Goad, Billy Higgs, and Leonard Sifford will serve as pallbearers and carry Melvin to his final resting place.

The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2006 at 11:00 AM with Elders Ronnie Mills and Richard Gillespie officiating. Interment will follow in the Nester Family Cemetery, Laurel Fork. The Hillsville VFW Post 1115 will conduct the military rites.