Melvin Lavern Coley, 72, Cordova, Tennessee, passed away at Memorial University Hospital, Savannah, Georgia, August 15, 2021, while on vacation with his family. Melvin was born in Hillman, Arkansas, November 26, 1948 to Grady Lewellen Coley and Mary Mable Coley, the sixth of ten children.

Melvin accompanied his family moving to Memphis, Tennessee in 1954 where he graduated from Humes High School in 1967. After high school graduation, Melvin attended Lee University, in Cleveland, Tennessee, where he graduated with a B.S.E. in education in 1971. Melvin worked as a high school history teacher for Memphis City Schools, Manassas High, until he retired.

Melvin, an excellent tenor, enjoyed Southern Gospel and Blue Grass music. Melvin, throughout the years, was invited to sing at many churches and other varied venues.

Melvin was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan, attending many of their football games. One of his favorite memories was sitting in War Memorial Stadium, with the sleet coming down heavily, and the Razorbacks down by 47 and he's still hoping for a come-back with less than 5 minutes in the game.

An avid reader, enjoying westerns, mysteries, and history; Melvin was always eager to learn as much as he could about his surroundings, world politics, and religion. In his lifetime, he read as many books as he could.

Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, wife Oweida McGaughey Holland, whom he married in October 2012, two brothers, Hershel Utah Coley, Grady Joel Coley, and three sisters, Naomi Joy Hildreth, Galena Ruth Martin, Deborah Jean Thompson, a nephew, Cary Slane Coley and niece, Arlita Joy Hildreth Carter.

He is survived by his daughter, Laurie Allyson Coley of Cordova, Tennnessee, four sisters, Edna Coley Hildreth (Berryman) of Southaven, Mississippi, Dorcas Gail Coley, of Katy, Texas, Veronica Coley Raney of  Senatobia, Mississippi and Esther Priscilla Coley of Southaven, Mississippi, and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A memorial Service is scheduled Saturday, September 4, 2021, 2:00 P.M. at Colonial Hills Church of God, 2432 Colonial Hills Drive, Southaven, Mississippi 38671.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Colonial Hills Church of God.