Melvyn N. Harris, Sr., age 83, resident of El Paso, TX passed peacefully on July 5, 2024, from this life and entered eternal rest into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior that took him Home to begin his Heavenly life.
Melvyn was born on September 5, 1940 in Akron, Ohio to the late Raymond and Evelyn Harris.
Melvyn, AKA “Mel”, “Bobby”, and more notably as “Pops”, was predeceased by his beloved parents Raymond and Evelyn Harris; brother, Robert Garlington; sisters, Barbara Harris and Phyllis G. Perkins; and great nephew, Wesley Taylor.
He is survived by his brother, Leon Harris; sister Jackie Harris Dixson; children Melvyn Jr., Diane, Deborah, Raymond, Juana, and Desiree Harris; 17 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; nieces; and nephews.
While serving his country honorably in the United States Air Force, Melvyn came to El Paso, TX in 1960. During his time on active duty, he served as an Aircraft Electrical Repairman. Melvyn had the opportunity to attend the Basic Military Training Aircraft and Missile Fleet Repairman course and was awarded the title of Aircraft Missile Repair Technician. While in the Air Force, Melvyn became a boxer and boxed for about a year after his honorable discharge. Having completed college courses while in the service, he separated from the United States Air Force at Biggs Air Force Base in El Paso, TX, and remained in the sunny city of El Paso ever since.
Melvyn then began working at Darbyshire Steel Company. He was the first black president of a labor union in the El Paso International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. He then went on to complete his higher education at San Marcos College where he later obtained his teaching certification and pursued teaching. Melvyn had an unwavering commitment to education; he was the Shop Mechanics teacher at El Paso High School for 34 years. For many years, while at El Paso High School, he was El Paso High’s representative to the El Paso Teachers Association where he went on to become one of their directors for several years.
Melvyn was a long time avid El Paso bowler and mentor. He became president of the Border City Keglers, and also of the Binational Friendship Bowling Association. He was inducted to the El Paso Bowling Hall of Fame.
Reposing at Funeraria del Angel Central Funeral Home, 3839 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX on Thursday, July 18, 2024 from 5-8pm. Church service at First Assembly of God, 3928 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX on Friday, July 19, 2024 from 11:30am-12:30pm. Interment at Fort Bliss Cemetery at 1:00pm.
