Melvin received his secondary education in Detroit, Michigan at Northeastern High School where he was an accomplished student and received athletic recognition. He earned three letters in football, three in baseball, and one letter in basketball. He was appointed All-City by the Detroit Coaches Association, named Best Athlete of his high school team, and Mr. School Spirit. Other high school highlights included making All-City in football and pitching a no-hitter in baseball. Academically, he participated in the Electronics Club, The Debate Team, and the Chemistry Club.
After high school, Melvin matriculated to Kentucky State University in 1962 and continued academic excellence (Dean’s List Honor Roll) as well as excellence in the sports arena. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. His varsity football at KSU spanned four years from 1962-1965. He was a four-year letter winner, made All Midwest Conference as a defensive tackle in 1964 and 1965, and was the Defensive Team Captain in 1965. He was named an Honorable Mention, Small College All American in 1965. Additionally, he was a two-year letter winner for baseball. For these accomplishments, Melvin was inducted into the KSU Athletic Hall of Fame on October 6, 2006. He was an active member of the K-Club at KSU until his illness.
After graduation from KSU, Melvin moved to Louisville where he worked in various positions at the General Electric (G.E.) Company and retired in the position of Senior Contracting Agent after 32 years of service.
While employed at G.E., Melvin furthered his education by graduating from the G.E. Professional Purchasing Program, and he received an M.A. in Management from Webster University. He also earned Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) and the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP), designations from the National Association of Purchasing Management, Inc. Melvin was also certified as a Green Belt in Six Sigma while at G.E.
Based on his outstanding career accomplishments, Melvin was named a YMCA Adult Black Achiever in 1985 and was honored with eight G.E. Corporate Extra Steps Awards. His community involvement encompassed several G.E. organizations, i.e., he served on the GEA Image Board, and was a board member of the GEA Employee Community Fund (ECF) and served as the Purchasing Trustee on the Quarter Century Club Board. He was also the Small Business Coordinator for the Supplier Diversity Team. For eight years, Melvin was the team leader for the G.E. Corporate Game Sponsorship. In addition, he served on the board of the Kentuckian Minority Supplier Development Council (KMSD).
Using his athletic abilities to reach back, Melvin coached for fourteen years in little league football and refereed in the youth basketball league at First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown. He was an active member at First Baptist Church of Jeffersontown, also serving as Co-Team Ministry Leader of the Audio-Visual Ministry and of the Lamplighter, the church’s publication.
Melvin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bernice; daughters, Anita Thomas, Woodbury, Minnesota; Sheila Calloway (Paul, Jr.) Hermitage, TN; Grandchildren, Paul Calloway, III, Benjamin and Bethany Thomas; Siblings, Ike Gilbert, Jr. (Jane), Huntingdon, TN, Sleita Gilbert, Memphis, TN, and Nellie Gilbert, McKenzie, TN; two sisters-in-law, Anna Downey and Frances Lawson, both from Lexington, KY, and numerous other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 8th, 2022 from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218. A celebration of Mr. Jones's life will begin at 2:00 PM following visitation. Melvin will be laid to rest in Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40218.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.archlheadyresthaven.com for the Jones family.
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