Mr. Roger Finis Melvin

It was a cold, windy Saturday, on December 27, 1952, in Portsmouth, Ohio. Roger Finis Melvin, a bouncing baby boy with hazel eyes was born. He was cute as a button. He was a healthy, strong, lively baby who was very energetic. Roger was the youngest child and only boy, so he usually got away with murder. Roger was mischievous, and always wanted everything to go his way! Roger attended the public schools in Portsmouth, Ohio. As the years quickly flew by, Roger developed the makings of an impressive athlete. He competed in one or more sports that involve physical strength, speed, or endurance. He especially liked playing with his older cousins and friends. Roger became an avid enthusiast excelling in basketball, football, baseball, and swimming. During the summer months, he worked as a lifeguard at the community swimming pool. At Portsmouth High School, Roger exhibited important qualities that included, but not limited to, athleticism, concentration, decision-making skills, dedication, eye hand coordination, stamina, and the ability to work well as a collaborator. As a result, he received a four-year football scholarship to attend West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia. He was always a sharp dresser, smooth talker, a foodie, and a heartbreaker. He prided himself in driving nice cars, listening to good music, especially Jazz, and drinking Coca-Colas. Roger returned to from West Virginia, to work various positions in New York, California, and New Jersey. The Norfolk & Western Railroad Station and the Portsmouth Inner City Development Corporation (PIDC) employed him. Roger began working as a Corrections Officer for the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Ashland, Kentucky. His career as a Correction Officer moved him to locations around the United States. After working in Atlanta, Georgia and Talladega, Alabama, he returned to Ashland, Kentucky, where he retired. Roger enjoyed his retirement. He moved to North Carolina more than twenty-five years ago. Roger never met a stranger. He loved to travel, entertain, cook big meals, play cards, and host enormous gatherings. He went fishing every chance he could, hoping to land a “hog head.” He spent time everyday watching MSNBC and CNN. Roger stayed in contact with his family and friends across the United States. He usually went to the beach every other week to swim in the Atlantic Ocean. On one of his beach trips, he encountered a school of sharks swimming around the pier where he planned to enter the ocean. He never got in the ocean again!!! Roger Finis Melvin made it clear that he was going to live his life his way. He did what he wanted, went where he wanted, when he wanted, with whom he wanted and did not have to explain why he did whatever he wanted. Whenever he made up his mind, it was a done deal!! Roger DID have the chance to know and love every friend, as well as all his family members. How much more blessed can a person be? So, in the end, remember… Roger Finis Melvin would want you to do your best, follow your arrow, and make something amazing out of your life! He DID!!!! Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Roger Finis Melvin will take place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home, Inc., 1422 Lincoln Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662; Masonic Ceremony 12:00 noon, Family Visitation 11:00 a.m., Celebration of Life Service 12:30 p.m. Dear family and friends, A well-lived life deserves to be celebrated. That’s exactly what we are going to do! We are extending an invitation to you to help us honor the life of Roger Finis Melvin. We will gather to reminisce all the memories and stories that made him who he was. The celebration is going to be upbeat, festive and eclectic. We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 12:00 noon, a memorial service to celebrate the life of Mr. Roger Finis Melvin will take place at Scarborough & Hargett Celebration of Life Center, Inc., 309 N Queen Street, Durham, North Carolina 27701.

Mr. Roger Finis Melvin

December 27, 1952 - October 2, 2022