Melvin Wilson

Westernport, MD

Melvin Lee Wilson, 88, of Westernport, died August 3, 2015 at the Western Maryland Health System Frostburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Frostburg.

Born October 13, 1926 in Ocean, he was the son of the late Leonard David Wilson and Margaret Ellen (Beeman) Wilson.  He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Wilson was a World War II United States Army Veteran.  He was a member of Victory Post #155 American Legion, Westernport, a member of Queens Point V.F.W. #6775, McCoole, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He attended Bethel Pentecostal Holiness Church, Lonaconing.

Melvin began working at the Lonaconing Silk Mill before joining the Army.  After his return he worked for McIntyre’s Bakery in Westernport.  He was a member of McIntyre’s bowling league, winning many trophies.  He also worked for the Celanese Fibers Company until its closing.  He retired from HRDC as a driver for the Meals on Wheels program after twenty years of service at the age of 73.

Melvin had a great love for country music.  He was a gifted vocalist and guitar player and an outstanding fiddle player.  He began playing as a teenager with his brother Leonard in Midland.  He played for the Country Music Jamboree radio show in Wheeling, WV after which he played for various country bands in the area, the last being Shadow Rider until the age of 81.  He had many friends and dedicated followers that came every Saturday night to hear him sing and play the fiddle for square dances.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by and infant son, Gary Melvin Wilson, a daughter, JoAnn Wilson at age 5, four brothers, Robert A. Wilson, Leonard J. Wilson, Thomas O. Wilson and Alexander Wilson, and two sisters, Anna Mae Miller and Mary B. Atkinson.

Melvin was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Juanita (Arthur) Wilson, four daughters, Barbara Sproull and husband Dennis of Lewistown, PA, Nancy Morgan and husband Ed Slaubaugh of Keyser, WV, Debbie Liller and husband Scott of Statesville, NC, and Becky Pyles and husband Rob of Cumberland, twelve grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Dr. Sidhu for his professionalism and support for our family in this difficult time.

Friends and family will be received at the Boal Funeral Home, Westernport, on Wednesday, August 5th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM and Thursday, August 6th from 12 to 1 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM on Thursday, with Rev. Dennis Sproull officiating.

Interment will be in Philos Cemetery, Westernport.