Melvin Charles Smith, Jr., 54, received his reward of eternal rest on July 17, 2012 at Mainland Medical Center.

Melvin, Jr. was the only child born to the late Melvin Charles, Sr. and Pearl R. Jones Smith on April 24, 1958 in Galveston, TX. A lifelong Galveston County resident, he made his home in La Marque, TX.

Melvin, Jr. completed his elementary education at Holy Rosary Catholic School. He enrolled in Ball High School and graduated in 1977. He entered the U. S. Navy that year and served until his medical discharge in 1980. He was able to see many foreign ports while serving on the USS Cleveland. After ten years of working as a security guard for the company now called Allied Barton Security, Melvin, Jr. resigned due to his health in May 2011.

Melvin, Jr. professed his faith in Jesus and was currently a faithful member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church, where Rev. Matthew J. Mouton is the pastor.

Melvin, Jr. was preceded in death by his father; grandparents: Arthur Jones, Sr., Evelyn Sanders Jones, Oscar Smith, Naomi Lyons Smith, uncles: Jeremiah Jones, Arthur Jones, Jr. and aunts: Louise Tillmon and Brenda Jones.

He leaves to cherish his memories with his devoted mother: Mrs. Pearl Regina Smith; aunts: Lillian Shavers of Los Angeles, CA; Phyllis Southern of Galveston, TX; first cousins: Ricky Jones, Debbie Jones, Jeralyn Jones all of Brazoria, Texas, Vincent Shavers, Valerie Shavers, Keith Shavers all of CA; Kimberly Davis of Dallas, TX; Ronetta Daniels, Adrien Southern, Janet Washington, Warren Tillmon Jr., Min. Kevin Tillmon, and Rev. Kerry Tillmon all of Galveston, TX and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM on Monday, July 23, 2012 at West Point Baptist Church with Pastor Kerry Tillmon officiating. Burial will at Houston National Cemetery at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, July 24, 2012.