James Junior "Spoon" Melvin

Mr. James Junior "Spooky", “Spoon” Melvin was born on December 5, 1955, to the late Mrs. Mazie Melvin and the late Mr. Hardin Brown, Sr., in Robeson County, North Carolina. “Spoon” transitioned from this earthly life to eternal rest on Friday, December 29, 2023, at UNC Health, Lumberton, North Carolina. “Spoon” is preceded in death by his parents, a son, James Melvin, Jr., his stepmother, Mrs. Annie Pearl Brown, his brothers, George Melvin, Colin Ross, John McLean, Ronnie Wade, Michael Ross, and Terry Brown, and one sister, Mary Price.

Spoon spent his childhood and adolescence at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church. He attended Robeson County public schools and graduated from Red Springs High School Class of 1974. After graduation, he was employed for more than ten years at Royal Development/ Leggett and Platt. He began his career as a line leader, and ended as a supervisor until the company closed its Red Springs facilities. From there he worked for Black and Decker of Fayetteville for seven years. After employment with Black and Decker, Spoon tried his hand at a variety of jobs and business ventures.

Spoon, a self-described "businessman," and son, James Melvin II, aka Jamie established M &M Trucking Company. M&M Trucking was prosperous until Spoon's sickness led to his premature departure from the workforce. Nothing was more important to Spoon than his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. Conversing with his brother, Richard, or hanging out every day or calling his ride- or- die brothers, Ross and Peewee. Often stopping by for a chat with Larry (Toshay), Jr., and Freddie, or calling his sisters to chastise them for not answering his phone calls fast enough. Each relationship with family members was individual and unique. Every member of Spoon’s large family and friends he loved like family, always had kind words, and spoke of fond memories of having Spoon as a part of their lives.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  his children, James Melvin II, of Fayetteville, North Carolina; Billi Jean Lester, Ta’Shae Ferguson, and Shakina Richardson, all of Red Springs, North Carolina. His brothers, Richard Melvin (Pattie), of Charlotte, North Carolina, MSgt. USA, (ret.) Manse Ross (Brenda), of Greensboro, North Carolina, Gary McLean (Tasha) Larry Brown (Lagirtha), Freddie Brown (Pam), and Kelvin Townsend (Lisa) all of Red Springs, North Carolina, and Hardin Brown, Jr. (Kim), of Fayetteville, North Carolina, three sisters, Frances Henderson (Edward) of Red Springs, North Carolina, Bert Hutchinson (Virgil) of Maxton, North Carolina, and Annie Brown of Red Springs North Carolina. Four grandchildren, Brice Melvin, Alexandria Melvin, Jaidon Lester, and Jacari Richardson, all of Red Springs, North Carolina. Three sisters-in-law, Bobbie Ross, and Cynthia Ross, both of Red Springs, North Carolina, and Francine McLean, of Norfolk, Virginia, a special brother, Howard Ray, of Red Springs, North Carolina. Nieces, Shanika Melvin, Rekeshia Melvin and Latreacha Melvin, all of Charlotte, North Carolina. His special cousins, Clara McCormick, John McNeill and Charles McNeill, all of Red Springs, North Carolina, One uncle, Charles Ferguson and wife Alease, of Red Springs, North Carolina, special friends, Alice Williams, of Fayetteville, North Carolina Charles Murray (Melissa), George Floyd, and James Haywood, all of Red Springs, North Carolina, Wilbert “Tony” Cobb, of Raeford, North Carolina, and John “John John” Patterson, of Parkton, North Carolina, his IT technician, and anything he needed “His Mack” MacKenzie Brown, of Red Springs, North Carolina,  special nephews, Ken McLean (Kelli), Rashaad McLean (Brandi), Jantzen McLean ,Eddie Henderson, Travis “Bossy” Ross, Gavin Bullard,  Freddie, Jr., Jordan, Julian and Jared Brown, all of Red Springs, North Carolina, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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