Melvin Orville Webb

Melvin Orville Webb, age 81, died Saturday, May 27, 2006 at his home in Townsend as the result of an accident. On that day, a still brave and strong old soldier went home. Mr. Webb served his country as an Army infantryman in World War II. Barely old enough to join, he fought and was wounded in that war. Fresh out of the Army he met and married the sweetheart of his life. Their marriage lasted 58 years and they had four children. In the 1960's and 70's Mr. Webb also served in the Navy Reserve before going active as a Seabee where he taught automotive and construction mechanics. He retired from the Navy in 1984 after traveling the world and seeing places many only dream of: Pompeii, Crete, Italy, Spain, the South Pacific and many more, plus every state in the United States save one - and he tried to find somewhere to fish in all of those places. He was an adventurous man with a great love for friends and family, a sharp wit and quick mind. It is entirely fitting that this man who so loved serving his country died on the weekend we memorialize all the other brave Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and National Guardsmen who have gone before him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin J. and Ruthie Johnson Webb of Hamilton, Alabama; four brothers; three sisters; parents-in-law, Willie and Blanche Shelton Stinnett of Townsend; and two sisters-in-law. He leaves his dear wife, Billie Stinnett Webb of Townsend and their children, daughter Judith Webb of Cosby; daughter Annette and husband Harvey Caylor of Maryville; son David Webb and wife Minna of Maryville; daughter Ruthie Webb and husband Tony of Townsend; and his greatest joy, six grandchildren, Elizabeth Caylor King and husband Carl King of Knoxville, Patrick Caylor and wife Ashley of Maryville, Brittany Webb of Townsend, Malia Webb of Maryville, Lauren Webb of Townsend, and David Webb II of Maryville, and two Great Grandchildren, Andrew Caylor and Kailee King of Knoxville. He also leaves his sister, Ruby Webb Money of Columbia, Alabama; sisters-in-law, Velma Brewer Webb of Jackson, Mississippi and Ruby Miner Webb of Red Bay, Alabama; and one brother-in-law, Lamar and wife Carol Stinnett of Maryville as well as countless friends and family. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. in the Trinity Chapel of Smith Mortuary with Mr. Webb's nephew, the Rev. Grant Webb officiating. The interment will be on Wednesday, May 31, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Cemetery in Townsend. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Smith Mortuary, www.smithmortuary.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Melvin Orville Webb please visit our Sympathy Store.