Melvin had been a fighter in life to the end, his last match was a long one against the effects of two large strokes. Melvin was proud to be a son of the late Michael Wiley Andreu and Mamie Taylor Andreu, he was a Mandarin native and spent his life in parts of Jacksonville and Hilliard from horseback, motorcycle, boat deck, and land-clearing equipment. He is survived by brother Wiley Andreu, daughters Lynn Provins (Mike), Rose Weindel (Alex), Judy Andreu, Melana Smith (Ryan), and son Alexas Andreu (Cassaundra); grandchildren Michael Provins (Kristie), Lawrence Provins (Melissa), Lisa Stigler (Steve), Cheryl Connelly (Natalie), Calista Smith, Jasmine Smith, Alexas Holten Andreu, and James Douglas Andreu; and was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife of 32 years Ellen Ann Holton Andreu (November 2002), son Melvin Alexas Andreu Jr. (Sam); brothers Charles, Emory, and Aubrey; sisters Lovie McEwen and Beatrice Gamble.
Melvin often told stories of growing up with his brothers working on the sawmill, running crab traps and shrimping, and honing his boxing skills both at home and at the YMCA. He held many jobs in his young adulthood but was most proud of his work with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in their mechanic shop and as a Mounted Patrol Reserve Officer; Melvin was an excellent horseman. He loved the water as well and spent time on the board of the family’s Mandarin Holiday Marina. He found his greatest success as a businessman owning and operating Andreu Land Clearing and Fill Dirt with crews of men over the decades that he also mentored and called friends.
He was well-known for his homespun hotrods and could truly make any engine run and ride anything with wheels. In retirement from land clearing, he spent his time in his shop working on engines and helping anyone who needed him.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Andreu family.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5