Melvin L. Duck

Melvin Leon Duck lovingly known as Duck by family and friends and Pop Pop by his Grandchildren, was born to Robert Linwood Duck and Colia Carr Duck on July 19, 1945 in Zuni, VA.  Melvin was the youngest of 12 siblings. 

Melvin received his formal education in the Isle of Wight Public School System and graduated from Georgie D. Tyler High School, Class of 1964 in Windsor, VA.  Melvin attended Virginia State College Norfolk Division, now known as Norfolk State University and obtained his Associates Degree in Auto Mechanics. 

Melvin was drafted into the United States Army on October 19, 1966 and served Honorably in the Vietnam War, Big Red One Infantry Division, Rank: SP4.  Melvin received numerous commendations and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge.  Melvin was Honorably Discharged from the United States Army on October 18, 1972. 

On August 16, 1980 Melvin Leon Duck was united in holy matrimony to Gracy Lorraine Holley at Chapel Grove United Church of Christ in Windsor, VA.  From this union God blessed them with a daughter, Nakiya Tiara who completed his family with son Tracy McNeil, and daughter Deirdre Sykes.

Upon returning home from military service Melvin was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company.  New opportunities were calling in Washington, DC and Melvin was employed by the Washington Metropolitan Automated Transit Authority (METRO) on February 13, 1973.  Melvin worked his way from Bus Maintenance to “AA” Leadman Mechanic Supervisor and provided 27 years of sincere dedication to WMATA providing safe, reliable, and attractive transportation to the people of the Washington DC Region.  Melvin furthered his mechanic knowledge by completing courses in First Responder Operations (Alexandria, VA) and Health Hazards in the Workplace at Dundalk Community College.  Melvin retired from METRO on May 23, 2000. 

Melvin joined Chapel Grove United Church of Christ in Windsor, VA at an early age and was very active in the Youth Department.  Upon moving to Washington, DC Melvin joined Central Baptist Church in SE, Washington, DC.  In 1995 Melvin joined First Baptist Church of Glenarden (FBCG) in Glenarden, MD.  Melvin served in the Men’s Ministry, Brother’s in Discipleship (BID) Graduate, and Senior Usher’s Ministry. 

Melvin was involved in organizations including Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 and a member of The Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Iconic Lodge No. 17 as a Master Mason (1977). 

Melvin had several hobbies and loves including cars and clothes.  Melvin was known for his sharp fashion style.  Melvin enjoyed spending time with family and friends, traveling, golfing, baseball, fishing, and hunting.  He had great times with great friends including his nephew Leroy Duck who he grew up with and longtime friend Freeman Blizzard.  While living in Washington, DC and Maryland Melvin enjoyed friendships with Robert Jefferson (Jeff), Deacon Gurnie Blount, Michael Jackson (Mike), the late John Jenkins (JJ), the late Herbert Bynum, and many many more. 

Melvin Leon Duck leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 42 years Gracy H. Duck, three loving children Tracy McNeil (Annie), Deirdre Sykes (Valentino), and Nakiya T. Duck; three grandchildren Krystal McNeil, Destinie Sykes, and Delante’ Sykes; Grandpup Furious Styles; one Sister Betty Ann Ashburn (Heywood); one Brother Samuel Duck (Lois); three Sisters-in-law. Audrey Duck, Lorraine Duck, & Louise Duck; Brother-in-law Willis Holley Jr (Willean), Sisters-in-law, Rosa Sessoms, Ann Norfleet (Robert), Phyllis Bond (Anthony) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents Robert L. Duck and Colia C. Duck; Brothers Robert W. Duck, James Duck, Roscoe Duck, Winston L. Duck, Aaron L. Duck, and James T. Duck; Sisters Vera M. Shelton, Janie Duck, Beatrice Parham, and Julia Ricks.

A celebration of life for a wonderful soul well lived will take place on Thursday March 16, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, Maryland.

Visitation hour will begin at 10am and the life Celebration service will start promptly at 11am.

Service will be streamed live from the church website at www.fbcglenarden.org.

On Tuesday March 28, 2023, at 230pm Mr. Duck will be honored with Military Honors at the Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, MD.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melvin L. Duck, please visit our floral store.