Rev. Anthony "Tony" Melvin

     Anthony “Tony” Melvin was born on August 14, 1949 in Bladen County, NC. He was preceded in death by his parents, Darnell Melvin and Rodgriee (Avery) Melvin; two sisters, Lillie Melvin Olden and Miranda Melvin; and one brother, Phil “Tightman” Melvin.

     He was educated in Fayetteville City Schools, graduating from E. E. Smith High School in 1967. After graduating high school, he joined the military for a time. He left the military and matriculated at Fayetteville State University where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Theatre. At that time, he was well-known for his acting skills as he acted in many stage plays around Fayetteville. He pursued a Master’s Degree at the University of Wisconsin and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Speech Communications and Media. After obtaining his Master’s Degree, he enrolled in law school at the University of Iowa. He attended two years there but did not finish because he returned to Fayetteville to help his mother and his siblings financially. He began a career as an insurance salesman with Southern Co. and later started selling insurance for Farm Bureau in Robeson County. He was a well-known car salesman for Ford of Lumberton and Leith of Fayetteville.

     He welcomed his son Anthony Hollingsworth in 1979. From his marriage to Alice Caple McLean in 1983, he raised four children: Linwood, Chris, Anesha and Krystle. In his family life, he was  known for cooking the best biscuits, picking the ripest fruit, and always having a funny story to tell.

     Tony had a high IQ and a thirst for knowledge. He was known to spend time successfully completing the NY Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle. He loved to read and kept a home filled with books on every subject. He played sports as a young man and later became a referee for recreational basketball games. Duke Basketball and the Dallas Cowboys were his favorite sports teams. He was a great cook and loved to spend time in the kitchen.

     Initially he ran from the call to preach but God eventually tracked him down. He was licensed to preach at First Baptist Church in 1995 by Dr. E.B. Turner. His favorite quote derives from something Dr. Turner always said: “I fell in the ditch so many times and each time God pulled me out.” He was later ordained to preach in 1998 at Mount Calvary Freewill Baptist Church in Greenville, NC. At the time of his passing, he was serving as an Associate Pastor under the direction of Rev. Paul Matthews at First Baptist Church. He was also serving as a Sunday School teacher where he took great joy in teaching the Word of God.

      He leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life: his son Anthony Hollingsworth (Donna) of Spring Lake, NC and his daughter Krystle Melvin of Lumberton, NC; his grandchildren: Kamil, Kaylan, Skai, Ezra, and Jeremiah, and his great grandchild, Kamil, Jr; his step-children, Linwood McLean (Michelle) of Bear, DE, Anesha McCormick (Darryle) of Fairmont, NC, and Christopher McLean (Bernadette) of Raeford, NC and a host of step-grandchildren; three sisters, Belinda Melvin (Nathaniel Bethune) of Fayetteville, NC, Joyce Teel (Dr. Gregory) of Peachtree Corners, GA, Barbara Bolden of Durham, NC; and one brother, Jeff Melvin (Jacquie) of Durham, NC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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