of Harrison, AR
July 16, 1951 - March 6, 2020
Harry Hubert "Mel" Melhorn III was born on July 16, 1951, in Memphis, Tennessee to Harry and Margrave (Paul) Melhorn. He passed away on March 6, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Jodi, two daughters, and a granddaughter: Emily Neller (Dan) of Pinehurst, NC, Margaret Seymour (Thaddeus) of Boston, MA, and Anna Margaret Neller of Pinehurst, NC. He is also survived by two brothers and one sister: Mike Melhorn of Wynne, AR, Scott Melhorn (Gary) of Heber Springs, and Beca Cheque (Stanley) of Batesville. Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, Johnson Melhorn.
Mel spent his childhood in Parkin, Arkansas. While in school, he was involved in football, basketball, track, and many clubs and organizations. He was voted among the top five most handsome men in his high school, and his yearbooks were filled with mushy notes from girls. He was active in the Boy Scouts and attended Camp Philmont and Camp Cedar Valley. Although he pursued it, he always regretted not finishing the requirements to become an Eagle Scout.
After high school graduation, he attended and graduated from the University of Arkansas, in Fayetteville, AR, with a degree in political science. While at the university, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity, where he was chosen as Model Pledge. He married Jodi Davis on Sept. 13, 1975. After spending several months in Mexico, they returned to eastern Arkansas, where they made their home in Wynne. Mel was a farmer, growing soybeans, cotton, rice, and peanuts. He served on the boards of directors of The Bank of Cherry Valley, the Farmer's Co-Operative, and the Hughes Grain Corporation. He was also president of the Parkin Jr. Chamber of Commerce, coached little league, attended Wynne Baptist Church, and was involved in many community activities. In 2000, Mel and Jodi moved to her hometown of Harrison, Arkansas. One of his first activities, in Harrison, was to become involved in the Main Street Association. Every year, he looked forward to cooking brats, for Main Street, at Harvest Homecoming. He was a mortgage lender for Community First Bank, which later became Equity Bank. He quickly became known as "Harry Mel". Representing the bank, he took part in many volunteer activities. Working the refreshment stand, at Goblin ballgames, walking in the Christmas parade, and giving out stick horses at the rodeo were only a few of these activities. He also enjoyed going to his Tuesday morning Bible study group, led by Jim Sprott, and attending First Baptist Church. Mel loved people and had empathy for those in need. Often, he loaned his own money, to those he knew would never be able to repay it. He always said, "When you loan someone money, just forget about it." Fortunately, he did not take this attitude, when loaning the bank's money!
Mel had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He loved all genres of music. He knew the lyrics and the singer or band for just about every song recorded in the sixties and seventies. He was a southern gentleman, who kissed hands and cheeks and gave hugs freely. He was a gracious host, making everyone feel welcomed and comfortable in his home. He could "work a room" better than anyone. He found a way to make a connection with everyone he met. Somehow he always knew "someone's brother's friend's sister, went to college with someone's girlfriend's aunt's son or knew someone's friend's third cousin, etc. He could find a way to connect!
The family would like to thank Mel's and Jodi's siblings, extended families, friends, Dr. Digie Neaville, Dr. Ron Reese, and Rob and Jonesy Davis for their support during Mel's illness. They would also like to thank the many people, from coast to coast, who prayed for Mel. He was honored to know that so many people cared about him. The family would also like to recognize Dr. Dan Bradford, Dr. Juan Lombeida, Dr. Chris McClinton, Rachel, Amy, and the entire staff at Highlands Oncology, in Fayetteville. This oncology group took excellent care of Mel and loved him. They were loved, in return.
A celebration of Mel's life was held on Tuesday, March 10 at 1:00 at the First Baptist Church of Harrison.
The family greeted guests following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation be made to the First Baptist Church of Harrison or to a charity of your choice.
"In the end, it's not the years, in your life. It's the life in your years."
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33 Condolence(s)
Heidi Hix Prater
Friday, March 20, 2020
Momma, daddy and I love all of the Melhorns!â¤ï¸ðŸ¤—🤟
Scott Melhorn
Thursday, March 19, 2020
I just watched the video of my brother Mel and all the memories flooded back to happier times. He was a wonderful brother and will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him. My hope is that he and the rest of the family who went before him are all celebrating his wonderful life. Hopefully I will see them someday. We Love you big brother.
Tammy Raley
Wednesday, March 18, 2020
May thoughts and prayers comfort family and friends of this wonderful man at this difficult time.
I was blessed and honored to meet and work with Mel at Community First Bank.
God called another of His Angels back to Heaven.
Mary Franklin Taylor
Monday, March 16, 2020
My sincere condolences to Mel's family. I grew up with Mel. He was always joking & kidding around but Mel had a serious and genuine side, too. We were in the same class & graduated in 1969. Our class had a reunion in 1979 & Mel was the perfect host for this event, joking with everyone there. I will always remember his kind friendship we had all those years ago. Prayers for his family. Mary Franklin Taylor
Lloyd Mahoney
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
God Bless you Mel. Heaven welcomed a kind soul the other day.
Pollyanna Hodges
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Jodi and family,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I didn't get to be around Mel very often, but when I did he was also so upbeat. I understand this journey you are on, but you have the prayers and support from many. God will continue to bless you all in many ways.
Polly
Wordna and jane
Monday, March 9, 2020
You were loved by so many. A life well lived. We will miss your smile and dedication to Jesus
Joyce Tyree
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Our sincere condolences to all the Melhorns on the loss of your dear Mel. We were fortunate to have gotten to spend some time with him through the years. Whenever we met, Mel was like a ray of sunshine - warm, smiling and awfully nice to have around!
Love,
Joyce & Billy Tyree
Brandy
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Rest well and easy, Mel.
Kelly Davis
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Harry Mel will be greatly missed, but the Lord has awesome plans for him. He touched so many lives in so many ways. Prayers to Jodi and the family as you go through this time of life.
Melanie Sugg
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Prayers that God will comfort all the family and fill you all with His peace.
Vernon Jenkins III
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Prayers for Comfort during this time of sorrow. Mel was a classmate of my Brother, In Parkin. Always treated us with respect. It was an honor knowing him. Rest in Love
Robin Alford
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Meg & Thad and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love to you all during this terribly difficult time. â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Love, The Alfords
Shannon and Don Walker
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Jodi and family,
We are so sorry for your tremendous loss. Sending all of our thoughts and prayers to you.
Shannon and Don Walker
Keith, Colleen & Ryan Wilson
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Mrs. Melhorn,
We are so sorry to hear of Mel's passing. You and your family are in our continued prayers.
Keith, Colleen & Ryan Wilson
Sharon Hunt
Saturday, March 7, 2020
David and I are so very sorry for your loss. We will be lifting up prayers for peace and comfort for Mel’s family and friends. Mel was a wonderful man who will be very much missed but always remembered with great fondness for the joy he brought into the lives of others.
CR Magness
Saturday, March 7, 2020
R.I.P. Brother Mel. AEKDB CR
Clemmie Cape
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Mel always brought a smile to those around him. I am so sorry for your loss.
Randy Rose
Friday, March 6, 2020
Was a great friend and meant a lot to me. God bless his family.
Dana Lair
Friday, March 6, 2020
Mel was such a great guy that always had a smile and kind word for everyone. I always looked forward to working with him and he will be greatly missed.
Rhonda crawford
Friday, March 6, 2020
We will miss when we come to visit to Robin and Tim we love you and we will miss you at the bank Rhonda. Crawford
James L. Breece
Friday, March 6, 2020
Mel was so genuine in his caring for others and it was apparent to all who knew Mel, it was always such a pleasure for me to visit with Mel and Jodi and I shall miss him greatly.
Paulette Jech
Friday, March 6, 2020
Love & prayers for you and your family, Jodi. We were blessed to have known Mel!
Terry Green
Friday, March 6, 2020
Jodie, am so sorry for your lost, Mel was a very good man. RIP Mel
Diann Little
Friday, March 6, 2020
I will always remember his wonderful smile. My daughter and son-in-law will remember "don't worry about it we will take care of it". He will never be forgotten. God bless his family and friends.
Mike "Snake" Pendergrass
Friday, March 6, 2020
Rest In Peace Mel.
Janet Ricketts
Friday, March 6, 2020
I enjoyed working with him at C.F.B and always seeing his smiling face I know he will be missed.Prayers for all his family.
Dale and Chris Cameron
Friday, March 6, 2020
Sorry for your loss
Mel was a good friend
Chris & Donna Williams
Friday, March 6, 2020
Jodi and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Mel never met a stranger and will be missed by all whose pathes crossed with his.
May peace be with you !
Linda Mills Cockrum
Friday, March 6, 2020
Mel was great. He helped my husband and I with the loan on our house. The last timed I visited with him it was about a year ago and he was expecting to have another surgery but his spirits were high. I am sad to see that he has left us. He will have a good time in Heaven.
Rita Herrmann
Friday, March 6, 2020
What good fortune in my life to have worked with Mel for 15 years. He brightened every day, even when he was having the fight of his life. He showed what true heart is, and I am grateful to have known him. My heart goes out to his family who will miss this dynamic personality in their lives.
Jodi, Emily, Meg, Maggie -- How I pray for comfort for you. May his memory be a blessing.
Courtney Farmer
Friday, March 6, 2020
So sorry for your loss! Mel will be missed! I will miss him greeting me when I saw him at Equity! Sending love and prayers to all family and friends.
Rachel & Matt Sprenger
Friday, March 6, 2020
We are so saddened by the loss of Mel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.