Melvin passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Wednesday, October 21,2026 in Jacksonville, FL. He was born July 17, 1938 to the late Willie Edgar Thompson Sr. and Emma Jane Pickett in Plant City, FL.
Melvin made his career working construction all over the United States even including overseas. While working in Jacksonville at W.W,Gay Mechanical, he met his wife, Bobbie. After working in the construction industry for over 50 years, he finally retired in 2005 from Acousti Engineering. His final project was building concourses at Jacksonville International Airport. He was a member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, Local 627 of Jacksonville, FL.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Thompson of 43 years, his sister, Mary Lee, three children, Melvin Thompson Jr (Jean Marie), Shannon Helton and Tonya Murdock (Greg), many grandchildren and grandpups, great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Melvin was preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Annette Saylor, grandson Billy Saylor, three sisters, Maggie Grace, Mamie Ruth and Onita, three brothers, Willie Lee, Willie Edgar and Bobbie James.
He enjoyed fishing, bowling, traveling, billiards, his dogs, watching his kids play sports and showing those “ol’ boys” how great of a baseball player he was. His greatest hobby of all was working out. Those who knew him could attest to that with how strong he truly was, even until his final days.
Many who knew Melvin knew how much he really liked talking to people. He never met a stranger. What they may not have known about him was his loving, caring heart. He always made sure his family was taken care of. He would help anyone he could, however he could. A lot of times that meant giving money to help out a homeless or hungry person, spend time helping someone build something, or even helping out with their vehicle. He had a heart the size of Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospice, Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association or a charitable organization of your choice.
On behalf of the family, thank you for remembering someone who was so special to us.
Visitation will be held at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Funeral Home, 850 St Johns Bluff Road North, Jacksonville, FL 32225 on October 27, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:30 pm and then we will proceed to the cemetery at Hardage-Giddens Chapel Hills Memory Gardens.
