Roland "Uncle Junior" Melvin Jr., 80

HARRINGTON - Roland "Uncle Junior" Melvin Jr. of Harrington died Thursday, June 28, 2007, at home with his loving and caring family by his side. He was 80.

He was born in Milford, son of the late Roland and Edith Melvin Sr.

Mr. Melvin served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He owned and operated the Harrington Oil Co. for many years after the war.

Mr. Melvin decided to move to Maine with his family, and for the next five years worked with his brother for Memco.

After five years, he decided to move back to Delaware where he worked for John Hopkins with Comfort Heating.

After leaving Comfort Heating, Mr. Melvin spent the next 13 years working for Nanticoke Homes of Greenwood.

Upon retiring from Nanticoke Homes, Mr. Melvin became the local handyman for his community.

Mr. Melvin also worked for Bruce Collins of Collins Plumbing in Harrington.

No matter what time of day, when the phone rang and someone needed his help, he immediately left to help that person, and oftentimes accepted no money for his time.

He stayed active and continued to work right up to about two weeks ago when his illness got the best of him.

Even at almost 81, he was still doing HVAC blueprints.

Mr. Melvin was a member of the Harrington Historical Society where he was past president, a member of the Calvary Wesleyan Church of Harrington where he served as a lay minister under the Rev. William H. Miller for 42 years, and a member of the Gideons.

In his spare time, Mr. Melvin enjoyed gardening.

He was a master gardener, and he used his time gardening as a personal healing time for himself where he would poor out his soul to his Lord.

Mr. Melvin enjoyed the outdoors and nature. He also enjoyed biking and walking.

He would walk up to four miles a day and he kept himself in top physical condition.

Mr. Melvin was well respected by all that knew him.

People looked up to him and valued what he had to say.

He was a godly man who walked the walk every day of his life.

Mr. Melvin turned to the scriptures and prayer to handle every aspect of his life.

He never judged anyone, and loved everyone unconditionally and showed compassion to all.

He always had a kind word and spoke with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face, and never spoke an unkind word to anyone.

He was always a great listener and not only served in the capacity of father to his children, but also as a mentor and counselor to them.

Whenever problems arose, he never gave his opinion about the matter, but always offered God"s answer and went to the scriptures for guidance and comfort.

Mr. Melvin was very meticulous, and everything had its place.

He started his day with daily devotions and reading the Bible.

He loved his family with all his heart and soul, and he looked forward to spending time with them, especially his grandchildren.

Even when he was sick and weak, he would play with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mr. Melvin loved to have fun and he lived his life to the fullest.

He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and community.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a beloved son, J. Wayne Melvin; and a brother, Walter Melvin.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jane I. Melvin of Harrington; daughters, Nancy F. Brooks and husband, Emerson of Jay, Maine and Rhonda L. Hitchens and her husband, Kim of Harrington; a brother, Alvin Melvin of Florida; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Tuesday in Melvin Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington, where friends may call two hours prior to service.

Interment will be in Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington.

Instead of flowers, donations can be made to the Delaware Hospice, 911 South Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.