Melvin J. Malone Sr. was born in Brownsville, Tennessee on July 30, 1940. He was the son of James and Mattie Malone. He graduated from Carver High School and attended Eastern New Mexico University. He worked as a welder then later, as an employee of Swift Meats, where he retired.

Melvin was not immune to Cupid’s arrow. He met, fell in love, and married Lela Wardlaw. They were blessed to add five children to their union. As a self-taught small engine repairman, Melvin enjoyed fixing things like lawnmowers and tinkering around in his garage. He was an avid chess player and loyal Brown’s fan. In his free time, he loved to fish and garden. However, his passion was spending time with family and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mattie Malone; wife, Lela Malone; brothers, Thomas, Toy, James Jr, and Donald; sisters, Viola Brown, Mary Thomas, and Edna Sue Beard; and granddaughter, Melissa Malone.

Melvin leaves behind to cherish his memory, children, William Harris, Mona Lisa Walker, Melvin Jr., Michael (Kwame), Lori Little, and Latisha; brother, Roy; grandchildren, Dontae Malone, Christopher Dobbs, Justin Malone, Todd Little, Dawaun Addie, Cynthia Malone, Anaya Malone, and Anyssa Malone; 14 great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.