Melvin James Latimer was born on April 19, 1962 to the late Apostle Anvert Latimer and Mattie Mae Hicks Latimer in Albany, GA. Melvin was one of four children.

Melvin Latimer was an energetic child who started walking at 7 months old. Nothing could stop him. He was a driven student who matriculated through the Dougherty County School system, graduating from the prestigious Monroe High School in 1981. Latimer loved sports, especially football and basketball. Melvin exemplified the team-like qualities of selflessness, care, courageousness, fearlessness and was guaranteed to give 100 percent in all he did.

Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people." Melvin joined the Third Kiokee Missionary Baptist Church as a young adult. There, he joined the Usher Board and served faithfully for 40 years. Dedicated and consistent, members could count on him to be in position and ready to serve as unto the Lord! His protective nature was seen not just in church but also beyond the four walls. He was a security guard by trade. Family, friends and community members could count on him to always be on guard.

On October 10, 2024, a heavenly guard came to usher him as he had done for so many. Safe in the Master's care, Melvin James Latimer entered eternal rest from the Atrium Health Navient Medical Center.  He was preceded in death by his father, Apostle Anvert Latimer, his stepfather, James Moreland, his brothers, Aundrey and Curtis Latimer, and his grandparents, Deacon J.W. Hicks and Mattie Lee Hicks. He was also preceded in death by his uncles, John Willie Hicks (Peanut) and Cleveland Hicks and his niece, Kenyon Macon and his great nephew, Karon Grier.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his mom, Mattie Mae Moreland; his daughter-in-love, Eva Graham of Albany, GA; his sister, Cynthia Latimer Knight (Ezekiel Jr) of Melbourne, FL; his aunts, Ruthie Tucker of Albany, GA and Mary Thompson of Milwaukee, WI; his uncles, Paul Hicks and Silas Hicks both of Albany, GA; his nephews: Joshua Knight of Melbourne, Florida, Antwan Nix and Kymoski Latimer of Albany, GA, Fred Macon of Jarrell, TX, and Jamar Choice of Sumter, NC; his nieces, Mishawntis Chester of Atlanta, GA and Latasha Evans (Bradley) of Melbourne, FL; his great nieces, X'Zaileya Register, XZareya Register and XZaiya Register of Melbourne, FL; Ayanna Macon, Kyra Macon, Kayla Macon, Tamia Macon of Jarrell, TX, Chynah Nix, Shawntwan Nix, Kamayah Williams, Kamoriah Chester, Cambria Chester, Kameia Chester and Khloe Latimer; his great nephews, XZra Register, Peace Choice, Kyden Latimer, Caswain Nix, Kyree Grier, Cory Williams and host of family, friends and the MHS Class of 1981.