Melvin Rufus Hammill, 93, of Rockwell, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center in Salisbury. He was born on October 7, 1923 to the late Jessie and Mattie Lentz Hammill in Rowan County, NC. Melvin was a graduate of Rockwell High School; he worked for and retired from Celanese as a Machinist. Melvin was a life long member of St. James Lutheran Church; and a member of the Miller Russell VFW Post # 112. He enjoyed fishing, wood working, and running Hammill's Saw Mill with his son, Tom. Melvin loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melvin served in the United States Navy during WWII from August 5, 1941 till December 7, 1946, he served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Half Moon obtaining the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Melvin is survived by his children; Son, Melvin Thomas "Tom" Hammill and wife Shellie of Salisbury; Daughters, Carol Lyerly and husband Jim of Salisbury, NC, and Mitzi Taylor and husband Greg of Gold Hill; Sister, Sara Corl of Rockwell; Three Grandsons, Jessie Thomas Hammill and wife Kelly, Josh Hammill, and Matt Lyerly; Granddaughter, Lindsey Jarrell and husband Lee; Three Great-granddaughters, Lily Hammill, Olivia Hammill, and Jillian Jarrell; Great-grandson, A.J. Jarrell; two step-grandsons, Eric Taylor, and Ellis Taylor; Step-Granddaughter, Emily Harrison and husband Levi; two step-great grandsons, Gavin Harrison, and Grant Harrison. In addition to his parents, Melvin was preceded in death by his Wife, Frances Hammill, and Brother, Leo Hammill. Visitation will be held Friday, December 2, 2016, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at St. James Lutheran Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 2, 2016, 2:00 pm at the St. James Lutheran Church with Rev. Jason Huebner, officiating. Burial will follow in the St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery . In lieu of flowers memorials in memory of Mr. Hammill may be made to St. James Lutheran Church P.O. Box 486 Rockwell NC 28138. Powles Staton Funeral Home of Rockwell, honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, is assisting the family of Melvin Hammill . Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.