December 21, 1940 - May 1, 2018
Above all else, Mel truly loved his family and friends and always welcomed and enjoyed spending time with them. He epitomized the term “family man” and was even sometimes referred to as the family sage with the wisdom he brought when answering a question or lifting a burden. He loved being a son, brother, friend, uncle, cousin, nephew, brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather, father and husband.
He served in the United States Army and followed that with a career of almost 30 years at Florida Power & Light. In his spare time, he was well-known for his perfectionist landscaping and being able to fix or build anything. His technical prowess was evident in his household duties from car mechanic to electrician to super-gluer of broken toys and decorations. He was a talented carpenter and enjoyed woodworking and taking on projects like building a swing set for his girls, the family’s Florida room in their Margate house and expansive backyard decking where many happy family memories were shared.
A lover of old cars, country music, nature and simplicity, Mel was also a voracious reader and enjoyed bass fishing, car racing, dancing and playing dominoes with his wife and friends, cold iced tea, hot black coffee and good fried oysters.
He felt it was important to give back and donated to several charities. Some of his favorite charities included the Boys and Girls Club, Florida Sheriffs Association and University of Miami’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Melvin Henry Voyles, Jr. (Checks should be payable to Sylvester and mailed to Sylvester Development Office, P.O. Box 016960 (M-867), Miami, FL 33101.)
Mel is lovingly remembered and survived by his ever-lovin’ wife of 49 years, Maria Voyles, daughters Michelle Adams and Kristen Mittauer, sons-in law Will Adams and David Mittauer, granddaughters Kaia and Reese Mittauer and Kaylen and Brooke Adams, and his sister, Frances McGranahan. Visitation will be held Thursday May 3, 2018. 6-8 pm. at Kraeer Funeral Home 200 North Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062. A Celebration of life service will Friday May 4, 2018. 11am. at Christ Church 4845 NE 25th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Graveside service to follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church at 12:30.
