Pastor Emeritus, Melvin E. Kesler of Woodleaf, NC died in his home on Saturday, May 20, 2017 after a short stay in the Brian Nursing Center of Salisbury, NC.  He was the former Pastor of New Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church located in Cooleemee, NC and retired after 23 years of service with USA Airlines in Charlotte, NC as a Mechanic.

He leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Vivian Kesler of the home; two children, Mrs. Melvinia Cummings (Curtis); Rev. AnTonelli Kesler (Tammy) and two grandchildren; Tiffany Nicole (Gene) and Curtis Jr. of Charlotte, NC. and a host of loving families and friends.

The funeral will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at New Shepherd Missionary Baptist Church, 108 Wall Street, Cooleemee, NC 27014, where the body will lie in state from 12:00 p.m.until 2:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Eulogist, Rev. Dr. Marcus Williams of Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Hickory, NC.