Lawrence “Melvin” DeHart, Sr., age 89 of Woolwine, Virginia, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Melvin, as he was called by all, was preceded in death by his parents, Carl DeHart and India Moran DeHart; his brother, Henry DeHart (Jeannie); and a brother-in-law, John Johnson.
Melvin was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who knew him. He attended Woolwine High School before enlisting in the United States Army. After serving, Melvin worked for 35 years and retired in Woolwine, Virginia. He spent his retirement tending to his garden and helping his wife, Dee, run her business, Dee’s Country Places in Stuart, Virginia. Together with Dee, he built a life filled with love, family, and many cherished memories. Melvin will be remembered as a man who loved and cared for people, had a great sense of humor, enjoyed sharing vegetables from his garden, and cooking for family gatherings.
Melvin is survived by his wife, Dorothy “Dee” DeHart; his son, Lawrence Melvin “Booie” DeHart, Jr. (Sonya); and his grandchildren, Tanner DeHart of Boston, Skyler DeHart Meadows (Nick) and Bryce DeHart, all of Christiansburg. Survivors also include a brother and two sisters, Eugene DeHart (Joyce) and Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson of Woolwine and Ruth Scott (Larry) of Floyd.
The family of Mr. DeHart will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at Moody Funeral Home in Stuart with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Woolwine Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Melvin’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
