Clarence Melvin (Blue) Lavender, 79, of 109 Blueberry Hill, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Friday, January 10, 2025 at the Brian Center of Low Moor.

He was born on October 16, 1945 in Albemarle County, Virginia, a son of the late Carl Milton and Leona Pearl Kimberlin Lavender.

"Blue" was retired as a first assistant on the number 2 paper machine at Westvaco of Covington.

He was a member of Living Stones Ministries, loved music, and playing the guitar, banjo, and mandolin. He was a big fan of the New England Patriots and loved drag racing.

Melvin was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Ann Lavender and Myrtle Brinkley and by three brothers, Lewis, Bill, and Ray Lavender.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Lorene Martini Lavender of Clifton Forge; two daughters, Melissa Lavender Groves and fiancé, Todd Tyree of Clifton Forge and Penny Lavender Hiner of Covington; stepdaughters, Regina Mulligan and husband, Keith of High Point, NC, Connie Green and husband, Richard and Linda Smallwood and husband, Chris, all of Greensboro, NC; a brother, Paul Lavender of Covington; four grandchildren, Sara Booze, Jerrod Groves, Rachel Groves, and Caleb Hiner; step-grandchildren, Richard Green, Jr., Josh Greene and McKenna Smallwood; step-great-grandchildren, Payton Greene, Connor Greene, Mya Stoner, Madison Stoner, Aiden Greene, and Adalynn Greene.

A time of visitation and celebration of life will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the Life House, 601 Grandville Ave., Clifton Forge with Pastor Mike Rollins officiating.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge.

To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com.