Melvin "Lee" Linkous, Jr.

Melvin “Lee” Linkous Jr., 71, of Roanoke, VA, joined his Lord and Savior on the evening of Thursday, December 26, 2024. Lee was born in Roanoke, VA and lived his life in the service of others. He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Lee Linkous Sr.

Lee is survived by his mother, Vilus Linkous; his wife of 47 years, Sharon Linkous; siblings, Kay (John) Spicer, Bob (Karen) Linkous and Gene (Becky) Linkous. He is also survived by his three children, Shawn Linkous, Sara Miller, and Rachel Linkous and was a proud grandfather of Taylor Linkous, Max Smith, Madeline Miller, Nathan Miller, and Emma Miller. There are other much-loved family members whom he adored.

Lee was a devoted public servant that began his career in 1974 at the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office and retired from the Roanoke County Police Department after 29 years of service to his community. Post-retirement, he worked at Carilion Clinic in Police and Security and retired again after 12 years. He cared deeply about the safety of his community, spending much of his time off volunteering by putting in child safety seats, meet and greets with McGruff the Crime Dog, and raising funds for the Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

Lee was a man of faith; he found joy singing in the choir at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren and playing guitar. He loved spending time outdoors turkey hunting and collecting Batman memorabilia. Above all, he loved spending time with his family whether it was holiday cookouts, Sunday dinners, or going all out to decorate for Halloween and Christmas.

The family would like to thank his church family and his many close friends that supported him throughout the years. Lee made friends wherever he went, and they truly left a mark on his kind soul. The family would also like to thank Blue Ridge Cancer Care, Duke University, and Carilion Hospice for going above and beyond. He met many mentors on his Myasthenia Gravis and Cholangiocarcinoma journey and the family is grateful to everyone who offered their support.

A funeral service for Lee will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2024,at Peters Creek Church of the Brethren at 10 a.m. with Pastor Ed Woodward. The family will receive friends at Oakey’s North Chapel on Monday, December 30, 2024, from 5 until 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Peters Creek Church of the Brethren and Special Olympics of Virginia. These were both close to Lee’s heart.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – North Chapel, Roanoke, VA (540) 362-1237.