Melvin Edward (Blue Hole) Adkins, age 79, of 1310 Donovan Street, Selma, Virginia, died Saturday, September 15, 2012 at the home of his daughter in Troutville, Virginia.

He was born January 22, 1933 in Huntington, West Virginia, to the late Grover Cleveland and Caroline Elizabeth Clay Adkins.

He served in the United States Navy during the Korean War and boxed while in the Navy.

He was a retired car inspector for CSX Transportation and a former Union Representative for the railroad.

He was a member of the American Legion and the Covington Moose Lodge.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Zeva Nichols and Izell Adkins; five brothers, Mansfield Adkins, Clay Adkins, Howard Adkins, Taylor Adkins, and Grover Adkins, Jr.; and a great grandchild, Camden Williamson.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Cramer Adkins of Selma; five daughters, Diana Stanley, Valerie Adkins, Melveene Adkins, Stephney Williamson, and Carrollynn Miller; four sons, John Holcomb, Rodney Adkins, David Adkins, and Bob Cramer Adkins; two sisters, Ruby Linville of Asheville, NC and Beatrice Lovejoy of Milton, WV; twenty-four grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Howard Adkins, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

A memorial service will be held on Friday at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel of Nicely Funeral Home with Reverend Billy Price officiating. Following the service, his body will be cremated and interment will be made on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. in Raccoon Creek Baptist Cemetery.