Melvin Lane Mabry

Melvin L. “Reb” Mabry, age 83, of Baxley passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Appling Healthcare.

Mr. Mabry was born December 2, 1940 in Norwood, North Carolina to the late Glenn C. Mabry and the late Ethel Lowder Mabry.  He was a retired Command Master Chief with the United States Navy where he served 30 years and two tours in the Vietnam War.  Since retirement he has worked in construction for J.M. Miles Construction. He was also an avid grower of blueberries and a leather craftsman.  Reb was a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Wanda Mabry of Baxley; six children, Duane Mabry of Baxley, Diane McLeod of Middleburg, FL, Delores Evans of Surrency, Danny Bunkley of Baxley, Darlene Bunkley McCoy of Vidalia and Donna Jones Walker of North Augusta, SC; and one brother, Percy Mabry of Myrtle Beach, SC. Eleven grandchildren and thirty-four great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home with Rev. Parker Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Beckworth-Swinson Cemetery with military honors.

A visitation will be held Tuesday April 30, 2024 from 6PM until 8PM in the Chapel of Swain Funeral Home.

Active pallbearers will be his grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be the Senior Sunday School Class of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and Dr. Orlando Fernando and staff.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.