Mr. Melvin J. Dye, 71, returned to his heavenly father on Sunday, October 23, 2011. He was born in Lancaster County, SC to the late Daisy and Sam Dye.
Melvin relocated to New Jersey at a young age to live with his older brothers and sisters. Soon after getting to New Jersey he found his stride and was widely known as "Sticks". Melvin was a lover of motorcycles and was a member of the "Black Riders" motorcycle club. He was a proud member of the Masonic Temple Golconda #24 in Newark, NJ. Melvin served as a trustee at Union Baptist Church in Passaic, NJ. After 32 years of service Melvin retired from United Steel Inc. In 2005, Melvin packed his bags and moved south to Winston-Salem, NC. Shortly after relocating he joined Antioch Baptist Church here in the city. While his presence was forceful and silent, he was sure to get your undivided attention.
Melvin was preceded in death by his mother; father; five sisters, Lucille Thomason (Sam) of Winston-Salem, NC, Martha Richardson, Garris Dye, Sylvia Dye, Wilhelmina Dye; and one brother, Waddell "Buck" Dye all of Passaic, NJ.
Melvin is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline A. Rodriguez; a son, Melvin A. Dye; his former wife, Deloris Dye; four grandchildren, Isaiah and Malachi Dye, Tieont and Tiana Rodriguez all of Passaic Park, NJ; three sisters, Josephine Matthews (Jerone), Ernestine Dye, and Hattie May Bryant all of Passaic, NJ; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 12noon Friday, October 28, 2011 at Antioch Baptist Church, 5061 Lansing Drive W-S, NC with Reverend JL Montgomery, officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11am until 12noon on Friday at the Church.