Melvin "Rat" Edward Moats , age 70 of Sugar Grove, WV, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2023 at his home in Sugar Grove, WV. Rat was born on March 31, 1953 in Sugar Grove, WV, the son of the late Melvin Everett Moats and Myrtle Catherine (Redman) Moats.

Rat attended Franklin High School. He worked at Crossroads Farm as a mechanic for 12 years where he retired and was a Veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

He is survived by: 3 daughters, Nayone Moats Moore and husband Derrick Moore of Laurel, MD; Myowne Moats of Waynesboro, VA; Tara Moats of Grottoes, VA; a son, Tayshawn Strother of Verona, VA; 5 grandchildren, Rylen, LaMya, Kenlee, Kartyr, and Khloe; 2 sisters, Fay Moats and husband Charles of Franklin, WV and Alma Moats and husband Leroy of Staunton, VA; numerous nieces and nephews; and a number of cousins, special family and friends.

Please join us for a memorial service honoring Rat's life on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at the Basagic Funeral Home, 826 Blue Gray Trail, Franklin, WV 26807, with Military Honors conducted by the US Air Force. Rat's family will receive friends 1 hour prior to service time on July 8 (12-1 PM).

The Moats family would like to thank everyone for their prayers and condolences. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com