Melvin Berlin Waddy

Melvin was born in Camden, South Carolina on June 16, 1943 and at age 82 transitioned this life on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Prisma Health Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife and friends by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents Melvin Berlin and Ruby Elizabeth Wright Waddy, and his grandparents, the late Walter and Willene Wright. Melvin's mother, Ruby Wright Waddy, was the oldest of seven and Melvin was her only child.

Melvin loved singing and performing. His favorite entertainer was James Brown, and while in high school, Melvin used his beautiful bass voice to sing with his best friend Cuba Gooding Sr., before serving his country in the United States Army for two years. After being honorably discharged from the Army, Melvin matriculated to North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC after which he began his career in the corporate world, working at Philip Morris Inc., New York City, for 32 years. This is where he met his beautiful wife, Roxanne, whom he was instantly captivated by and adored from the moment he saw her. It was love at first sight leading to a whirlwind romance that led to marriage soon after meeting. Everyone Mel knew was in shock! The playboy was caught! When the couple were told, "You just met, you only went on two dates, you have to get to know each other,” he replied, "I have a lifetime to get to know her and I will date her for the rest of our lives." Mel did just that. He never arrived home empty handed, always having a surprise such as a beautiful bouquet of flowers or tickets to see Michael Jackson, or Cuba Gooding Sr., the latest Broadway play or the Essence Awards and truly enjoyed doing any and everything for her.

Melvin loved playing pool. Pool was his passion. When the couple moved to Columbia from New York City, he played in tournaments at Jillian’s, a popular restaurant and gaming spot. Winning every tournament, people came from near and far to challenge him. The host of the games eventually asked him to please step aside, giving the other players a chance to win.

Another passion of Melvin's was playing basketball, which he played until his knees hurt. He also became the go-to guy for any information regarding cars and electronics due to his passion for cars, motorcycles and electronics such as cell phones, computers, and watches.

Many were drawn to Melvin’s warm, spirited and compassionate personality and he made friends everywhere he went.

Melvin leaves to mourn his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Roxanne Patricia John Waddy; his Uncle Jerome and Aunt Eunice Wright and cousin, Eunice Allene Wright; his oldest remaining uncle, William Wright, cousins, Kim Wright Humphrey, Angela Wright Rice, Rhonita Rumell Wright, William Jr. (Lena Wright) and their children and grandchildren; his 97 year old mother-in-law Yvonne Elaine Frazier John; his sister-in-law, Rhonda Beatrice John Spellman, his nephew, Ulysses Eugene (LaTanya Wilder Spellman), great-niece Tyler Charlotte Spellman and great-nephew Aiden Ulysses Spellman; his nephew Ashley Russell (Sterling Clinton Spellman) and great-nieces Hasana Ashley Malaika Spellman and Harmony Aki Malaika Spellman.

Mel is survived by the couple’s longtime best friends, Richard and Faye Gordon and their three adult children: goddaughter Michelle Antoinette Gordon and her children, Vivian Alexandria, Ella Chanel and Ellington St. Clair Bartley; Rhonda Alexandria Gordon; and son, Richard Agnew Gordon II (Christina Gordon) and his sons, Gabriel Nicolas, Joshua Nathaniel and Aaron Noah Gordon; as well as Al Grant and his daughter Celeste Grant. Richard Gordon was best man in the couples wedding and Al Grant was a groomsman. Melvin also leaves to mourn his dearest friends Andre and Janine Sutton. Mel will also be dearly missed by his best buddy Buffy Waddy, the couple’s deeply loved Shih Tzu.

Heartfelt thanks go to the couple’s closest and dearest friends and neighbors, who surrounded them with unwavering love, steadfast support, compassion, care and presence which meant so much to them, and countless cherished memories. Melvin leaves a host of family and friends who truly loved, adored and admired him. Melvin was a popular and gregarious man. He was loving, kind, generous and he never met a stranger.

The graveside service for Melvin will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 1:00pm, with Pastor Selma Aiken officiating. The US Army will provide military honors.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: childrenscancerpartners.org Children’s Cancer Partners of South Carolina, 900 S. Pine Street Suite F, Spartanburg, SC 29302. If sending a check, please put in the memo: Rachel DiStefano/Melvin Waddy