MAGNOLIA — William E. Melvin, of Magnolia, died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Delaware Hospice Center, after a lengthy illness. He was 82. Born in Sandtown, he was the son of the late Earl C. and Naomi Melvin. Mr. Melvin served his country proudly in the United States Army. He worked as an engineer for Diamond State Telephone and Verizon, and retired after 33 years of service. During high school, he received the all sports award for playing basketball, football, and baseball and serving as team caption for all three. He especially loved baseball, and played semi-pro for the Delmarva League and even received a contract to play for the Cleveland Indians. In his spare time, he enjoyed square dancing with his wife, boating, and camping. He took his family camping all along the east coast, and after they were all grown, he traveled to many of the National Parks, and also to Alaska, California, and Wyoming. His main interests all included his family. He was truly dedicated to his wife, children and grandchildren, never wanting anything for himself, just for his family. Mr. Melvin was a 60 year member of the Magnolia Methodist Church where he sang in the choir and was part of the Methodist Men group. He was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mildred Melvin of Magnolia; sons, Gary S. Melvin of Felton, and Dale W. Melvin of Wyoming; daughter, Linda J. Thomas of Magnolia; sisters, Jeanette Gottorf of Milford, and Doris Knight of Little Creek; seven grandchildren, Christina Siederer and husband Mike of Texas, Cynthia Melvin of Felton, Catherine Melvin of Felton, Caroline Melvin of Felton, Lauren Melvin of Wyoming, Brian Thomas of Magnolia, Matthew Thomas of Magnolia; and one great-grandchild, Collin Melvin. Graveside services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 26, in Barratts Chapel Cemetery, Frederica. Memorial Service will follow at the Magnolia United Methodist Church at noon, with a reception at the church immediately following. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Magnolia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 256, Magnolia, DE 19962; or to the Delaware Hospice, 911 South DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901. Arrangements are by the Melvin Funeral Home, Harrington.