Deacon Melvin Richardson was the sixth child born to the union of Melvin Sr. and Tereatha Richardson in Escambia County, Ala. on Sept. 9, 1937.ß
He accepted Christ as his personal savior united with the believers at the Little Brooklyn Baptist Church.
He adhered to the principles of Christ that states, “whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might.”
Therefore, he served in many capacities.
He was ordained deacon, chairman of the deacon board, church treasurer, Sunday school advocate, choir member, groundskeeper and plumber whenever there was a need.
Richardson, a Masonic brother, served in the capacity as Worshipful Master for the Boykin Lodge #309 and Worthy Patron for Jackson Chapter 3630 for approximately 30 years.
He was united in holy matrimony to Estelle Jones in 1960 and to this union one daughter was born.
He was a graduate of Boykin High School after which he enrolled at Wenonah Vocational School in Birmingham where he earned and became a renowned mechanic.
Having been employed at Peach Ford for many years until the time was right, he established his own successful business where he served people far and near until the failure of his health.
Deacon Richardson was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years; his loving Christian parents, Melvin and Tereatha; three brothers, Gullice, Eugene and Willie C.; his two sisters, Ammie Bennett and Annie Jones.
He leaves to cherish his memory, one devoted daughter, Mary (Edward) Seary; one son, Calvin Brazile, both of Dallas, Tx.; a grandson who was the love of his life, Calen Deary; his son-in-law who he thought could do anything, Edward Deary; three sisters, Rebecca Michaels and Easter (James) Jackson, of Pensacola, Fla. and Louise (Anderson) Johnson of Brewton, Ala.; two aunts, Sarah and Ella Knight, of Pensacola, Fla.; one uncle, Reverend Otis Culliver of Monroeville; three sisters-in-law, Bernice Martha Ann and Christine; two brothers-in-law, Edward and Jerry; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. at Little Brooklyn Baptist Church with pastor Robert Gray officiating.
Interment followed at Little Brooklyn Cemetery with Presley-Fluker Funeral Directors directing.