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 the grandson to the late Walter and Willene Wright. Melvin's mother, Ruby Wright Waddy, was the oldest of seven and Melvin was her only child. Melvin served his country in the United States Army for two years, then matriculated to North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina.

Melvin loved singing and preforming. His favorite entertainer was James Brown, and for awhile, with his beautiful bass voice, sang with his best friend Cuba Gooding Sr., then joined the corporate world and worked at Philip Morris Incorporated, New York City, for 32 years. Melvin loved playing pool. Pool was his passion. When the couple moved to Columbia from New York City, he played in tournaments at Jillians restaurant and gaming. Winning every tournament, people came from all over the south and north to play him. The host of the games asked him to please step aside, giving the other players a chance to win.

Another passion of Melvin's was playing basketball, he played until his knees hurt, and cars. He loved cars, motorcycles and anything electronic, cell phones, computers, watches, and he was the go-to guy for any information about cars and electronics. Melvin was captivated by his wife, Roxanne. Melvin adored her 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 had 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. His passion for life was captivating in that many were drawn to his warm, spirited and compassionate personality.

Melvin leaves to mourn, his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Roxanne Patricia John Waddy, his Uncle Jerome and Aunt Eunice Wright, who felt Mel was more like a brother, someone they loved, relied on, trusted and highly respected, and their daughter, Eunice Allene Wright who he shared a very close and special relationship. His oldest remaining Uncle William Wright, and his three daughters, Kim Wright Humphrey, Angela Wright Rice, Rhonita Wright, only son, William Jr., and Lena Wright and their children and grandchildren. His late father-in-law Russell John, 97 year old mother-in-law Yvonne Elaine Frazier John, who Mel called every Sunday, late brother and sister-in law Russell Clayton John and Sharon Scruggs John, and late brother-in-law, Ulysses (Sonny) Spellman. His sister-in-law, Rhonda Beatrice John Spellman, who he loved dearly and shared a special bond with his nephews, and their two sons, Ulysses Eugene and LaTanya Wilder Spellman, their daughter Tyler Charlotte Spellman and son Aiden Ulysses Spellman. Youngest son, Ashley Russell and Sterling Clinton Spellman, and their daughters Hasana Ashley Malaika Spellman and Harmony Aki Malaika Spellman. Mel is survived by the couple’s lifelong best friends, Richard Agnew and Faye Yvonne Freeman Gordon and their three adult children, one of whom, Michelle Alexandria Gordon Bartley, is Mel and Roxanne’s goddaughter, and her three children, Vivian Alexandra Bartley, and twins Ella Chanel Bartley and Ellington St Clair Bartley, their daughter, Rhonda Alexandra Gordon and only son, Richard Agnew Jr., and Christina Gordon, their sons, Gabriel Nicolas, Joshua Nathaniel and Aaron Noah Gordon. Al Grant and late wife Brenda Grant and Al’s 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. Also, Buffy Waddy, the couple’s deeply loved Shih Tzu, Mel’s best buddy.

Special mention of the couples 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, Spartenburg, SC 29302. If sending a check, please put in the memo: Rachel DiStefano/Melvin Waddy