Melvin Eugene Holloman was born February 5, 1953, in Biscoe, Arkansas.  He was the beloved son of the late Jesse and Lizzie Thomas and the late Berlin Hollomon.  Throughout his formative years, he resided in Chicago, Illinois.

He was united in holy matrimony to Susanna Germino. One of Melvin's greatest joys was being a father and he was immensely proud of his daughter.  As his family grew, grandchildren became the "apples of his eye."  His love for his family was everlasting, accepting, and forgiving.

In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served honorably.  The military suited his sense of order and his code of loyalty.  During his enlistment, he proudly served on the Marine Embassy Detail in New Delhi, India and Tokyo, Japan; in Force Reconnaissance at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; on Recruiting duty in Illinois; in Okinawa, Japan; and the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia.  His final assignment was I & I Staff in Gary, Indiana, after which he retired in 1993.

When in North Carolina, Mel developed a love for dogs—especially show dogs and dog shows.  Over the years, he studied and mastered the skills necessary to become one of the best professional dog handlers.  He retired from handling in 2018.  He was truly loved in the dog world and will be sorely missed.

On January 17, 2020, Melvin transitioned from this earthly life.  In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three siblings, Joyce Laynos, Sheree Webber, and Felicia Hollamon-Carter.

Melvin is survived by his wife Sue; his daughter Katrina (Nate); four grandchildren, Jordan, Elijah, Gabriel, and Adin; siblings, Dranue, Andreia (Darrion), Bobby (Yvonne), Burnis (Norma), Kenneth, Bruce,  Ricky, Stephanie Hollamon, Sonya Hollamon-Rodgers, Gail, Kevin, and Kenneth; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.