Melvin Emerson Wilkinson, 81, of Springville, died Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.
Melvin worked in maintenance for Southern Clay Company for many years. He was a former Chief of the Springville Volunteer Fire Department, and the last surviving founding member. He enjoyed traveling, line dancing, playing Bingo, woodworking, and working on things. He was a member of the Faxon Baptist Church.
He married his first wife, Florence McCulley Wilkinson Thursday, October 21, 1965, who preceded him in death Tuesday, June 9, 2009; he then married Edna Inman Wilkinson Wednesday, July 14, 2012, who also preceded him in death Sunday, April 14, 2019.
He was born Tuesday, May 28, 1940, in Corunna, Michigan, and was the son of the late Irvin Wilkinson, and the late Maxine Wilder Wilkinson. Along with his parents and wives, he was also preceded in death by a daughter, Cheryl L. Parsons.
Melvin is survived by a daughter, Eva Weller, of Owosso, Michigan; a son-in-law Floyd G. Parsons, Sr., of Springville; his fiancée, Trudie Sanson, of Paris; four grandchildren Floyd G. (Heather) Parsons, Jr., of Jackson, Tanya (Tony) Hart, of Paris, Angelique Carpenter, and Simon Weller, both of Owosso, Michigan; seven great grandchildren Ashley Carpenter, Estella Hart, Emmalynn Hart, Ellianna Hart, Tiffany Parsons, Sarah Parsons, and Isaac Weller; and a family friend, Erick Johnson.
Arrangements were handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, Tennessee. Visitation was Sunday, April 24, 2022, from 11 am – 3 pm Ridgeway Funeral Home. The funeral service was held Sunday, April 24, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home with Rand Miller officiating.
Members of the Springville Volunteer Fire Department served as pallbearers.
Burial with military honors followed in Poplar Grove Cemetery in Springville.