Melvin Arvid Brumbelow, 81, passed from death unto life on Saturday, September 15, 2018. His life will be celebrated on Monday, September 17, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. at Collier-Butler Funeral Home with Rev. C. Gerald Taylor and Rev. Shaun Dunn officiating. The burial will follow at Williams Southside Memorial Park. Visitation will be at Collier-Butler on Monday from 12-2 p.m. prior to the service.
Mel was born on March 13, 1937, in Taylorsville, Georgia, to the late David and Gladys Brumbelow. As an 11 year old boy, he made the most important decision of his life when he trusted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He is a graduate of Gadsden High School, Class of 1955. In August of 1971, he married Wanda Yates Taylor, and they recently celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary. Mel had many hobbies including Ham Radio and playing golf. He was a member of the Rainbow City Kiwanis Foundation, President of the United Way, and was instrumental in establishing the Martin’s Family Clothing stores in Rainbow City, Florence, and Decatur, Alabama, where he was employed for 21 years. Mel and Wanda served as missionaries to the orphans in Albania with Hope for the World for two years. Over the years, he was an active member of Saks First Baptist, Southside Baptist, Riverview Baptist, and Decatur Baptist. For the last 19 years, he has been a faithful member of Lighthouse Baptist Church, Ashville, Alabama, and has served as the church sound technician.
Mel, also known as “PauPau,” is survived by his beloved wife, Wanda Brumbelow; daughters, Dana Brumbelow of Rainbow City, Alabama, and Melissa (Thomas) Broughton of Charleston, South Carolina; stepchildren, Danette (Darrell) Dunn of Southside, Alabama, and Gerald (Donna) Taylor of Ashville, Alabama; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Floyd (Joanne) Brumbelow of Huntsville, Alabama. Mel will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church Missions Fund, 2166 Pinedale Road, Ashville, Alabama 35953.
