Monday, January 11th, 2021 should have been a joyous day as Melburn should have been celebrating the milestone birthday of 90 years young. Prior to COVID-19, his day would have been celebrated with his friends at the Brian Center in addition to his family. There would have been cake, balloons, and good times. However, on Monday, January 11th, 2021, Melburn was diagnosed with COVID-19, the virus that has taken so much from so many. On Tuesday, January 19th, 2021, Melburn transitioned from this earth and went to his eternal home with Jesus.

Born in Garland, NC, to the Rev. Vance and Minnie Bell Rich, Melburn grew up in a loving household with his five other brothers and sisters. In 1947, Melburn married his wife Ola, and they set off to begin a family of their own. Melburn and Ola had two children, Mel and Kaye. In 1955, the family moved to Wallace where Melburn and his brothers opened the Big R Supermarket and then Rich's Supermarket. Later, Melburn went on to open the Fast Lane where he could often be found behind the counter holding his cup of coffee and greeting customers as they came through the door.

One of Melburn's most beloved roles throughout his life was the role of "Grandaddy" to his grandchildren, Olivia and Richie, and "GGDad" to great-grandchildren, Luke and Finn. Years ago, when Olivia and Richie were younger, Melburn could frequently be seen in his back yard playing catch with them or walking around the block following them as they drove their PowerWheel cars. In more recent years, Melburn loved being GGDad to his great-grandsons and would light up at the sight of them. He loved getting pictures and homemade cards from them.

Melburn is survived by his son, Mel, and daughter-in-law, Shirley, of Penderlea; his granddaughter, Olivia Herndon and her husband, Phillip, along with their sons Luke and Finn of Wilmington; his grandson, Richie, and his wife, Lauren, also of Wilmington. Additionally, Melburn leaves behind his brother, Wayne, and sister-in-law, Jane, of Wallace; his brother, Buck and sister-in-law, Janice, of Wallace; his sister-in-law, Emma Dineen, of Wilmington, and many loved nieces and nephews.

Melburn is preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Vance and Minnie Bell Rich; his loving wife, Ola Rich; his daughter, Laura Kaye Rich Conway; his brother, Vance Rich Jr., and sisters, Kathleen Rich O'Neill and Faye Rich Schneidmiller.

As this virus continues to spread, the family urges you to take proper precautions to keep you, your loved ones, and your community safe. There will be no public service at this time and the family will not be accepting visitors. When it is safe to do so, the family plans to have a celebration of Melburn's life where they will encourage friends and family to gather with them to remember a life well-lived.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to those who cared for Melburn throughout his brief battle with COVID-19 both at the Brian Center of Wallace and Vidant Duplin Hospital. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you make a donation to the Duplin General Hospital Foundation in his memory. Their hope is these funds will be used to assist in resiliency efforts for the compassionate health providers who daily face the grim realities this virus brings. If you would like to donate, please visit https://www.vidanthealthfoundation.com/regional-foundations/duplinfndn/ for more information.

You may share your memories and send condolences to the Rich family by selecting the Tribute Wall above.

Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home is serving the Rich family.  910-285-4005