Melvin Thomas, Sr., son of the late Quincy Thomas and Rossi Bell Harris Thomas, was born in Albany, Georgia on October 14, 1947.

During the early years of his life, he attended the public schools of Dougherty County. In later school years, he continued his education at the Job Corp Center where he was trained in welding

In 1967, Melvin was united in marriage to Annie Doris Albritten. Their journey together carried them to Atlanta, Georgia, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1985, he married Elizabeth Ann Sutton of Cambridge, Maryland who preceded in him death.

Melvin's professional work life was diverse and rewarding. For numerous years, he was employed with Kelsey Hayes Welding Company in Philadelphia. He also ventured into culinary arts and catering. His career later ended up taking him to San Diego, California and Jacksonville, Florida where he worked in the Navy Shipyards.

""Pops" as he was affectionately called, had a great love for his family and friends. He was a very outgoing man who was always willing to lend a helping hand, always looking out for others, and could always make you laugh or smile. He made many lifelong friends and touched the lives of people around him in a very special way.

On Wednesday, March 14, 2018, Melvin's earthly journey ended has he entered into eternal rest. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by six siblings, Flozell Thomas, Benjamin Thomas, Carl Thomas, Dallas Thomas, Wanza Thomas, and Rosa Lee Thomas;.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by his children, Melvin L. Thomas, Jr., (Sharon Thomas) and (beloved partner, Deborah Richardson), Sedrick B. (Alecia) Thomas, Sr. , Pamela L. (Hosea) Thomas-James, and Keziah L. Wright; siblings, Jessie (Gwen) James, Ruby (Roscoe) Wilson, Betty (James) Peterson, and Laura Thomas; grandchildren, Shamaina Bryan, Shanae Thomas, Dominic Gordon, Shamelra Thomas, Tianna Thomas, Melvin Thomas III, Sedrick Thomas, Jr., Angelica Thomas, and Nasir James; great grandchildren, Nayir Thomas, London Gordon, Denim Thomas, and Nasir S. Thomas; brothers– and sisters-in-law, Jerry Albritten, Johnny Levinston, Bobby Albritten, Dorothy A. Gardner, Diane Lee, and Kevin Albritten; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.