CHARLES MELVYN AMRINE,
88, of Little Rock, went to be with the Lord on March 26, 2020. Mel was born in Melvin, Ill., April 7, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Clara Amrine, and his sister Beverly Hirstein.He is survived by his wife, Doris, son, John Amrine, daughters, Laurie Lee, Cherith Beck, and Valerie Stearns, and six grandchildren, Barrett Stearns, Melia Stearns, Madi Stearns, Katherine Amrine, Mary Beth Amrine, and Kyle Lee, one sister, Patricia Theros, and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mel graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Floriculture and it is where he met Doris through Intervarsity Christian Fellowship. Mel and Doris were married on June 25, 1955 in Chicago, Ill. Mel served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and upon discharge he began his training for the ministry at Grace Gospel Church in Waco, Texas. In 1958, after completion of his training, Mel and Doris traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii to start Grace Bible Church. They pastored in the islands for many years before moving to Little Rock, Ark., in 1966 to start Bethel Chapel. Brother Mel, as he came to be known, spent many years teaching and preaching the Word of God. He also trained young men for the ministry. Many people, both young and old, received a firm foundation in God’s Word at Bethel through Mel’s ministry.
After many years in Little Rock, Mel and Doris traveled to help churches in Canada, Ohio, and California. In the 1990s Mel and Doris moved back to Little Rock to start Grace Gospel Church. Mel was also involved in the vision, planning, and organization of the Pastor’s Prayer ministry in Little Rock. His vision for pastors to come together to pray for each other and for the Lord’s work in their churches was realized. Mel and Doris were also part of helping New Life Church for many years. Mel was involved in teaching foundational Bible truths through Life University for those who had the desire to go deeper in the Word of God.
Mel’s family would like to express their gratitude for all the love, care and support Mel received from church families and friends over the years. Most recently the pastors, staff, and church family at New Life Church have poured out love and blessings on Mel for which we are humbly grateful. We would also like to express our extreme gratitude for all of the love and care the nursing assistants, nurses, doctors, and the rest of the staff at Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation have provided for Mel during his last years. There are others who visited and stayed with Mel during his times in the hospital. We thank you. Mel deeply loved people and was passionate to share the gospel and his faith with as many individuals as possible even in his last days.
A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to New Life Church, 633 South Country Club Road, Conway, Arkansas 72034. Memorials may be directed to the “Philippians 4:19 Scholarship Fund”. All proceeds will go towards the New Life Church College and School of Ministry to be used in the training of others for the Lord’s ministry.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Charles’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.