Melvin David McDermott, Sr. was born November 20, 1937 in the Bronx, NY to Melvin and Josephine McDermott. He was educated in the public schools of New York and joined the United States Navy at age 17. After serving in the service, Melvin met his wife Pearl Elizabeth Smith and they were married March 21, 1960. From their 50 year union, they had six wonderful children: three boys and three girls. As a provider for the family, Melvin served 30 faithful years with the New York Transit Authority. He worked his way up from bus driver to management. After retirement in 1990, Melvin moved the family south to his wife's hometown of Winston-Salem, NC. Even in North Carolina, this born New Yorker never slowed down. Melvin found employment in various occupations to "keep him young" so he said. After five years in Winston-Salem, Melvin found another home when he became employed with Arbor Acres United Methodist Triad Home. Working there for the last 15 years and counting as Melvin departed this life Saturday, May 8, 2010 on his way to "Meet the Mule" (work).
Melvin loved to laugh, always had a joke, some funny story, a witty saying, or some song he would break out with at any time.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Melvin David McDermott, Jr.
Melvin leaves to cherish his memory his wife Pearl of the home; his daughters, Kim of the home, Kaisha (Kelvin) of Winston-Salem, NC and Katrice (Rinard) of Maryland; his daughter-in-law, Sherry; sons, Marcus ( Sharon) of Florida and Michael, Sr. (Shallina) of Winston-Salem, NC; two sisters, Carolyn Lewis of Florida and Maxine (Clyde) Williams of New York; an uncle, James "Jimmy" Smith of New York; 15 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; four sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; a childhood friend, Richard Matthews; close friends, Mario and Katie Moss; special family friends, the English Family and the Tatum Family; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10am Friday, May 14, 2010 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. James Linville officiating. Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 9:30am until 10am on Friday at the funeral home.