Mr. Melmoth “Mel” Garlington Rivers, Jr. age 69, of Tarrytown, died Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at his residence after a brief illness under the care of Affinis Hospice. He was a native of Treutlen County and lived there most of his life. He graduated from Robert Toombs Christian Academy in 1973 and attended East Georgia College and Georgia College in Milledgeville. Mel worked as a lineman with Georgia Power for many years before retiring as a supervisor in April of 2017. Mel was a member of Harmony Masonic Lodge 405 and Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church. In his spare time he enjoyed fishing, cooking, hunting, watching football, was an avid reader and loved studying Civil War and World War II history. He especially loved being a Papa, spending time with his grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents, Melmoth Garlington Rivers, Sr. and Dovie Lee Warnock Rivers and a granddaughter, Brooklyn Annette Rivers.
His family includes his seven children, Melmoth “Garth” Garlington Rivers III and fiancé Cheltsey of Brunswick, Ariana Rivers Croft of Tarrytown, William Ladson Rivers and wife Emily of Putnam County, Christopher Lee Rivers of Valdosta, Samuel Palmer Rivers of Pooler, Jacob Elijah Rivers and wife Shannon of Soperton, and Daniel Wesley Rivers of Tarrytown; one brother, Homer Rivers and wife Martha of Tarrytown; one sister, Susan Dyer and husband Curtis of Helen; four grandchildren, Dovie Jean Croft, Rosalie Mae Croft, Vincent Melmoth Rivers, and Adaline Oakley Rivers; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family wishes to thank Affinis Hospice for the excellent care they provided.
The family will receive friends on Saturday evening, April 27th at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00.
The funeral service will be on Sunday afternoon, April 28th at 2:00 in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Glenwood City Cemetery with Masonic Rites.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or by visiting their website at: www.cancer.org.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.
