Brother Melvin Smiley entered eternal rest on August 17, 2024 at the Jesup Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was also in hospice at the Hospice of South Georgia.

Brother Melvin was born on March13, 1952, in Midway, GA to the late Essie Mae and Otis Smiley, Sr. As a man of faith, Melvin attended the fellowship of Pleasant Grove as a young child and later moved his membership to Thebes AME Church in Midway, GA, where he served the Lord as a committed Usher. His religious commitment was evident in his participation and involvement in church activities.

He received his education through the Liberty County School System and later graduated from Liberty County High School. He was employed at various jobs during his early years when he resided in Philadelphia, PA. Upon returning to Liberty County, he worked in the Dietary Department on Fort Stewart at the dining facility as part of the kitchen personnel. He later retired from the Liberty County School System as a cafeteria staff member after many years of dedicated service.

Melvin was an avid sports enthusiast. He played football during his high school years and had a love for various sports including basketball, baseball and wrestling. Additionally, he was a fan of westerns and enjoyed watching soap operas, especially “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories: his brothers: Howard, Otis, Jr., Rickey and Matthew Smiley all of Midway, GA; his sisters: Patricia A. Howard of Riceboro, GA, Mary Carter of Allenhurst, GA, Jannerie Saiguero of Hinesville, GA and Shelia (Rickey) Jones of Clyde, NC; his loving aunts: Dorothy Wilkins, Lily Mae Lundy, Alberta Beal, and Ethel Simon; his uncles: Thomas (Marva) Brown and Roberson Brown all of Miami, FL; his loving nieces: Roshell (Chris) Thompson, Lakeisha (Joseph) Bradham, Kimberly Hall and Miracle Weems of Hinesville, GA, Danielle Carter of McDonough, GA; one nephew: Chris (Eric) Howard of Riceboro, GA and a host of great nephews and nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends.