Melton Douglas “Doug” Lynam

DURHAM – Ecclesiastes 3:2 There is a time to be born, and a time to die. Melton Douglas “Doug” Lynam, 87, of Durham, died Wednesday morning, June 22, 2022, and is now at home for all eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mr. Lynam was born at home on Falls of the Neuse on June 19, 1935, to Alexander Melton and Moda Belle Leonard Lynam. He graduated from Durham High School in 1953 and from Croft Business College also in Durham.  He later attended Elon College and completed his degree in Accounting.  He began his career as an Accountant for Erwin and Company Stock Brokerage and later became a Stock Broker. The Brokerage firm changed its name from Erwin and Company to J Lee Peeler which was in Downtown Durham. Years later, J Lee Peeler became Morgan & Keegan.  Mr. Lynam enjoyed working in the Stock Market for 50 years which he retired in 2004. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Higgins Lynam.

Mr. Lynam loved his church, Grove Park Chapel on Sherron Road in Durham, which was formerly the Gospel Center.  He placed his faith in Jesus Christ at the early age of 14 while attending a Bible Tent Meeting, shortly after, he joined the choir.  He was so excited about his faith that he brought his parents to church, where they too accepted Jesus Christ as their personal savior. Mr. Welcome Detweiler, pastor of the Gospel Center took a lot of time with Doug and taught him how to take care of the church’s yard.  Doug had a great passion for taking care of the church for more than 66 years. He was a Deacon and the Building Superintendent at the church – this was his ministry. He enjoyed decorating the church for Easter, Fall, Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was a faithful servant until his declining health no longer allowed him to do so. Doug was also an avid Duke Basketball fan.

Surviving is his sister-in-law, Cathi Higgins Turner (Tommy) of Durham, sister-in-law, Bonnie Higgins Washburn of Utah, brother-in-law, Skip Higgins (Mary) of Apex, nieces Meredith Turner Rigsbee and Erica Brooke Turner, which he and Carolyn took a very active part in raising them, nephew Randy Washburn, Jennifer Washburn Van Wagner, Courtney Washburn Prieto, Todd Higgins, Timmy Higgins and Tiffany Higgins Finch. Cousins Linwood and Barbara Barham, Teresa Dowman, Judy Sigmon, Woody and Sandra Leonard all from Falls of the Neuse, Raleigh, NC.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Grove Park Chapel. With Pastor Dale Brooks and Pastor Rod Sharp officiating.  Interment will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will Mike White, Jim Singer, Tom Eakes, Cliff Detweiler, Jerry Detweiler, Mike Young, Eric Hester, Paul Shick and Craig Phelps.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 28, 2022, from 12 noon to 2 pm prior to the services at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grove Park Chapel, 805 Sherron Road, Durham, NC 27703 in his memory.

The family would like to thank so many for their love, support, prayers and food.  Special thanks to Duke HomeCare and Hospice.