John H. Melms

Pastor John H. Melms, age 73, of Sanford passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 at Central Carolina Hospital.

He was born in Michigan on August 23, 1948 to the late George Melms and Verna Fritch Melms.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-father who raised him as his own Alfonse Vanriette; daughter-in-law Deana Melms and granddaughter Shelby Shilling.  John spent 30 years in the business world, including time at IBM and Nine West where he was responsible for keeping the mainframe computers operating. He earned his Master’s degree in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary after three years in the classroom and one year of internship.  He enjoyed bowling, embroidery, working with stained glass, umpiring ball games, and bragging about his grandchildren.  He will be greatly missed.

John is survived by his loving wife, Mary Sue Melms; children Robert Melms of Connecticut, Kenneth Melms of Oregon, Anne Shilling and husband Mikel of Holly Springs, Karen Melms of New York; Christopher Melms of Angier and grandchildren Andrea, Bobby, Zachary, Madison, TJ and Kaylee and two great-grandchildren Ryleigh and Lillian.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Bridges-Cameron Funeral Home with Pastor Jim Daub officiating.  Burial will follow in Lee Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to assist the family with funeral expenses to https://www.gofundme.com/f/pastor-john-h-melms-memorial  and/or donations to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3253 Niagara Carthage Road, Whispering Pines, NC 28327 and/or St. James Lutheran Church, 983 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines, NC 28387.

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