Jack Edsel Melvin Sr.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Mr. Jack E. Melvin Sr., 83, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at Dyersburg Regional Medical Center, Dyersburg, Tenn., after a brief illness.

Jack served in the U.S. Navy for two years after he graduated from Blytheville High School, Class of 1948. In twelve years of school, Jack only missed Y2day to attend his sister's funeral.

He met his beautiful, loving and faithful wife, Virginia Moore, at the Ritz Theatre in Blytheville and they were married Sept. 11, 1950. They were married for 62 years.

Jack enjoyed a long career in the automotive industry. He started out at the bottom and worked his way to the top becoming Plant Manager at Central Metal which later became The Randall Company. He retired at age 55 from Randall but continued working part time well into his 70s. He was a hard worker and good provider for his family.

Jack loved to spend time with his family and pets, most recently Luci and Daisy. In younger years, he played golf and could be found enjoying this pastime on weekends at the Blytheville Country Club. Jack loved Blytheville. He had lived there almost all of his life. He always wanted to return home.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother and father, John E. Melvin and Carrie Underwood Melvin; four brothers, Ed, Bear, John and Maurice; and four sisters, Rena, Janie, Helen and Lexie.

Jack is survived by his wife, Virginia of Dyersburg;

His son, Jack Jr. of North Little Rock;

His daughter, Paula Shelton of Dyersburg;

His brother, Joe Melvin and wife, Deborah, of Rustin, Fla.;

His son-in-law, Mike Shelton of Dyersburg;

Two granddaughters, Kelley Shelton of Memphis and Lindsay Shelton of Dyersburg; and

A dear friend, Lea E. Hall of Dyersburg.

Jack Melvin had a long and good life. He was a good man, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. We miss you and love you. Your memory will live in our hearts forever.

A private graveside memorial service will be held in Blytheville.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Blytheville Humane Society are requested.