FAYETTEVILLE - The Rev.Benjamin Ray \\"Benny\\" Melvin, 77, of Fayetteville, died Sunday, Nov. 15, 2009, in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The Rev. Melvin was born in Fayetteville on Oct. 27, 1932, to Joseph G. and Elizabeth H. Melvin. After graduating from Stedman High School in 1951, Mr. Melvin worked in and owned several electronics businesses until the mid-1970s. At that point in time, Mr. Melvin accepted a calling from God and entered the United Methodist ministry. He graduated from Methodist College in 1978 and completed his theological studies with a 1982 doctorate of divinity from Duke University. The Rev. Melvin faithfully and joyfully served as pastor of eight United Methodist churches during 27 years of ministry. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, in Culbreth Memorial United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:45 p.m. in the Loudermilk Fellowship Hall at Culbreth UMC. Interment will follow at Lafayette Memorial Park. The Rev. Melvin is survived by Grace Beard Melvin, his beloved wife of 58 years; sons, Stephen R. Melvin of Fayetteville and Gregory A. Melvin of Raleigh; grandson, Derek R. Melvin of Greenville; brother, Donald L. Melvin and wife Shirley of Fayetteville; sister, Patsy M. Cashion and husband Hilton of Fayetteville; sister-in-law, Hellon B. Matthews of Raleigh; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to the Joseph Gray Melvin and Elizabeth Horne Melvin Scholarship Fund of Methodist University c/o Development Office, 5400 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28311, or to the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home of Fayetteville.