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It is with deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of Melvin Chandler Wofford, lovingly known as Mel. He peacefully departed this world on December 12, 2025 at the W.G. (Bill) Hefner Salisbury Department of Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center.
Born on September 15, 1946 in Spartanburg, SC, Mel was a remarkable man who led a fulfilling and impactful life. He grew up in Salisbury, NC, spent much of his life in Greensboro, NC with his family, and moved to his happy place in Lexington, NC on High Rock Lake (1996). Mel was the beloved youngest son of Louis Mayo Wofford and Loree Siebert Wofford. He shared his life and love with his wife and partner of 56 years, Martha Jones Wofford, raising two daughters
Shera Wofford Osborne (Jack) and Star Wofford Shoener (Rich). He also leaves behind two grandsons (William Chandler and Deacon Richard Shoener) and brother James “Chip” Wofford, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mel was a graduate of West Rowan High School (Class of 1964) and studied at NC State University. Mel served in the U.S. Navy and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He retired with 30 years at Lorillard Tobacco Company as a Sr. Electronic Specialist, where he will be remembered for being the go-to for fixing everything, being fair and kind to his colleagues and employees, and making lifelong friends.
Outside of work, Mel was active in his girl’s lives and the community. He served as PTA President at the Elementary and High School levels. Mel was Girl Scout Leader for over 10 years, the first male on the Triad Girl Scout Council, and led Train-the-trainer sessions for High Ropes Courses. He served as the first President of the Property Owners Association at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, Member of Greensboro Coliseum Commission, and President of High Rock Lake Association. Mel was an active Member at St. John’s UMC (Greensboro) and Macedonia UMC (Southmont).
In reflecting upon his life, we remember Mel for his zest for life, love of his family and friends, witty sense of humor, appreciation for the great outdoors, and faith in god and goodness in the world.
The service to honor and celebrate the life of Mel Wofford will be held on Saturday, January 10th at 2 pm at Macedonia United Methodist Church (10890 NC Hwy 8; Lexington, NC 27292). Visitation will take place at the church after the service. We invite you to wear purple on the day of the service. Purple is the official color of Alzheimer’s awareness, symbolizing dignity, wisdom, and a unified front in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease….and happens to be Mel’s favorite color.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to either: Alzheimer’s Association, by Phone 1.800.272.3900 or by Check to Alzheimer’s Association, PO Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011; or CDCE Office (001-V) W. G. (Bill) Hefner VA Medical Center Building 6, Room 1010, 1601 Brenner Avenue Salisbury, NC 28144,704-638-9000, ext. 13409.
We truly appreciate your love and support during this time.
Carolina Cremation is assisting the Wofford family of Lexington. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.
Bob Simpson says
Martha,
Donna and I are saddened to hear about Mel’s passing. We are praying for you and your family.
Peggy Howe says
I was sorry to hear of your loss.
My thoughts are with you and the family
Christel McKinney Rey says
My condolences to Shera & Star and the entire Wofford family. As a Girl Scout with the Wofford’s troop many years ago I have fond memories! May those memories be treasured.
Chad Leonard says
He was a second dad growing up. I always looked up to Mel and used to dig his custom van,a one of a kind. A very honorable man to have known and loved. He will be missed!
Penelope Morrison says
Was so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. Was always the life of a party and loved life to the fullest. Know that he was loved by many and will always be in our hearts. I know he loved you Martha, and will never be forgotten by his many friends. May God give you comfort and peace knowing that he is in Heaven ..
Keeping you and the family in my prayers.
Penny Morrison.
Penny Morrison says
Was so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. Was always the life of a party and loved life to the fullest. Know that he was loved by many and will always be in our hearts. I know he loved you Martha, and will never be forgotten by his many friends. May God give you comfort and peace knowing that he is in Heaven ..
Keeping you and the family in my prayers.
Penny Morrison.
Bob Bartlett says
Martha You and Mel were exactly what it’s all about! I have admired you both for many years and it is so sad that Mel has gone on to Heaven. May God comfort you and your family at this time of sorrow, and richly bless, strengthen and guide you every day you live.
Diane Sandlin says
I feel your loss. Maybe we can get together sometime. Î losses Charlie October 14th 2023. It is hard to go on but you are strong and amazing. Mel was one in a million. Great dad husband and human being. Sense of humor beyond most. Love to all of you. Diane
Torva Outterbridge Felton says
To the Wofford family I send my condolences. Mr. Wofford was such a wonderful person and taught me a lot about outdoors and camping in his girl scout troop. Mrs. Wofford, Star and Shera I will continue to pray for you and the entire Wofford family. I will continue to cherish all the memories of growing up on Whipporwill Dr., camping days, church services and many more. Love you guys.
Rosanna Moore says
Dear Martha & Mel’s family- what a wonderful account of the life of Mel . It was a real privilege to have known him . He had an absolutely wonderful personality. That is such a handsome picture of the incredible Mel . My thoughts & prayers are with your family during this sad time .
Laura Kent says
Dear Martha,
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family during this sad time .
Rita & Bill Deck says
We have so many wonderful memories of Mel, having spent many holidays & traveling to Greece together. We will miss him terribly. RIP Mel, always in our hearts.
Janese Merrell says
Dear Martha, you guys were very blessed to have each other. You are in my prayers. Love, Jan
Dawn Jensen says
Martha, and I am so sorry to hear this. You guys were the best together! My condolences to you and your family. Of course you two being such a great couple, will hurt even more with him gone, but one day I promise, the happy memories will be healing. Hugs RIP Mel!
Roji Aldashi says
I am so sorry and condolences to you and your family! Wishing you all much strength and patience to get through these tough times!
Susan Wall says
Martha & Family ,
Steve & I are sending our condolences.
We know he will be missed
By many.
Sending prayers,
Susan & Steve Wall
Robin Hickman says
Though he may be gone from sight, your father will always live in your hearts and in the love that binds your family together. Please know I am holding space in my heart for you and your family.
–Robin
Susan Dean says
Martha, My heart goes out to you and your family….you and Melvin were just meant for each other, true love! Your anniversary party was a testament to that and turned into a mini reunion, so enjoyable….our high school days were memorable, love you
NANCY LEWALLEN says
Our Love, and Prayers are always in our hearts! We treasure all the great memories we have shared with Mel. NANCY AND LARRY LEWALLEN..
DAVID SMITH says
Mel was a world full of knowledge at Lorillard. Yes, he’s was one of a few to “GO TO” to get equipment running and work with co-workers to teach and have full understanding of our business needs. Mel will be missed, laughs, and just a great friend to have. Martha will be lost without her true friend whom he mentioned many times at work. Very pleasant to be around.
Carroll and Karen Tysinger says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Martha and your family. We share so many wonderful memories with you and Mel. We will see you in January. Mel was such a dear friend.
Scott Tinervin says
Our heartfelt condolences to the Wofford family. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
The Long Beverage Family
Rebecca Andrews says
Mott, I didn’t realize that the angels were so near. I gathered that Mel was scaling back but had no idea that he was failing to enjoy life. Hugs and blessings to you and the rest of your family. I love you and pray for God to give you strength to get past Mel’s passing.
Bryan Mallernee says
Mel was a very knowled gable team member always willing to do what it took. I will miss him.
Patricia Myers says
Martha and family, may God’s peace give you comfort and strength for the days ahead. Mel was one of a kind and we were all blessed to know him.
Karen Wenberg says
Martha, Star and Shera…so many things are going through my mind. Mel was a loving and loyal husband and a dad every girl would love to have grown up with. He loved and lived for his family. He was a good friend and we had so much fun together with our “Friday at Five” group, Going to the beach, taking a trip to NY for Mike and Wendy’s wedding, the Black Dog Winery festival and that little motel where we laid down in the field watching the stars, Mel knew every one of them. My one regret is that we went into different directions after years of being together. Even then, I knew when I saw you and Mel we would pick up where we left off. You guys were true friends. I will miss Mel on this earth but I hope and pray I get to see him again one day. I love you Martha and I know life won’t be the same, but hopefully your wonderful memories and the years you had with Mel will make you smile on your sad days. Knowing Mel, he will continue to keep an eye on you and his beautiful family. I love you! ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
Cindy Russell says
Martha & family,
Our love and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time . Praying God will give you comfort & peace !!
Love ,
Hayes & Cindy Russell