Pastor Emeritus, Melvin E. Kesler of Woodleaf died in his home on Saturday, May 20, 2017 after a short stay in the Brian Nursing Center of Salisbury.

He was the former Pastor of New Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church in Cooleemee, and retired after 23 years with USA Airlines in Charlotte as a mechanic.

Survivors: his wife, Vivian Kesler of the home; 2 children, Melvinia Cummings (Curtis); and the Rev. AnTonelli Kesler (Tammy); 2 grandchildren, Tiffany Nicole (Gene) and Curtis Jr. of Charlotte; and a host of loving families and friends.

The funeral will be held on Friday, May 26 at 2 p.m. at New Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church, 108 Wall St., Cooleemee, where the body will lie in state from noon-2 p.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Eulogist is the Rev. Dr. Marcus Williams of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Hickory.

Condolences: hairstonfh.com.