Melvin Rian Persinger, 52, of 2026 S. LaSalle Avenue, Covington, Virginia died Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Lewis Gale Alleghany Hospital.

He was born June 13, 1966 in Roanoke, a son of Melvin D. Persinger of Covington and the late Gloria Morse "Kitten" Persinger.

He was a former employee of Lear Corporation and worked for the past 13 years at Westrock with Ingevity Carbon.

He was member of the Triple Springs Hunt Club.

He was an assistant coach for the Covington High School JV Girls Basketball team and had coached Little League basketball for over 20 years. He was an avid Nascar, Pittsburgh Steelers and Virginia Cavaliers fan. He loved to cook and was known for his Wednesday night dinners at his church. "To know Melvin was to love him."

Surviving in addition to his father are his son, Dylan Persinger of Covington; his daughter, Cristi Persinger of Covington; the mother of his children, Tracy Persinger of Covington; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Mark and Traci Persinger of Daleville and Michael and Tammy Persinger of Buena Vista; his sister and brother-in-law, Michelle and Richie Caruthers of Covington; his fiance, Leigh Bradley Moore and her children, Jonathan Aldridge, Allison Aldridge; and granddaughter, Alice Brown; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at First Christian Church with the Pastor Bill Gilliland officiating assisted by the Rev. Gary Marshall.

Following the service a celebration dinner will be held in the Family Life Center at First Christian Church, where the family will receive their friends. At other times the family will be at his father's residence, 527 East Mallow Road, Covington, Virginia. The family suggests that donations in Melvin's name be made to the Youth Group at First Christian Church, 231 East Fudge Street, Covington, VA 24426.

The Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements.