Funeral services for Melvin Edward Partridge, 89, of Lincolnton were held Monday, July 21, 2008, at the New Hope Baptist Church, Lincolnton, with Rev. Benny Pate and Rev. Paul Reviere officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. He died Saturday, July 19, at Lake Crossing Health Care Facility, Leah.

Mr. Partridge was a lifelong resident of Lincoln County and the son of the late Eddie Miles and Nancy Jane Reynolds Partridge. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church where he was a member of the Men's Bible Sunday School Class and had served as a deacon and choir member.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Nannie Etheridge Partridge; five sons, Kenneth Edward Partridge, Robert Lee Partridge and his wife Patty, Clarence Irvin Partridge and his wife Jan, Roger Dale Partridge and his wife Frankie, and Timothy Wade Partridge and his wife Debra, all of Lincolnton; a daughter, Rachel P. Pharr and her husband Jerrel of Washington; 11 grandchildren, Jerry Pharr, Lee Partridge, Darren Pharr, Lisa P. Johns, Stephanie P. Jordan, Leah Partridge, Mel Partridge, Scott Partridge, Terry Lambert, Debra Ann Strain, and Melanie Kay Franklin; 18 greatgrandchildren; and six great-greatgrandchildren.

Pallbearers included Jerry Pharr, Lee Partridge, Darren Pharr, Mel Partridge, Scott Partridge, and Walter Palmer.

Memorials may be made to New Hope Baptist church General Fund, P.O. Box 1303, Lincolnton 30817.

Beggs Funeral Home of Lincolnton was in charge of arrangements.