Melvin Smith

MELVIN SMITH JR., son of the late Melvin Smith, Sr. and Catherine Spivey, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on December 17, 1950. He departed this life on Friday, August 26, 2005 at the age of 54.Melvin, affectionately known as “Piccolo” and Tuhir, received his early education through the Baltimore City Schools. In 1970, he joined the Army and served in The Vietnam War. Later, he continued his higher education and received his AA degree from BCCC and then attended the University of Maryland. He was raised by his grandmother, Jannie Spivey, after his mother’s departure, due to a terminal illness.Melvin was the proud “Dad” of four beautiful children, Omar, Naima, Atiya and Erika. He was a very family oriented man with his children. They enjoyed the outdoors tremendously, while camping, biking, fishing canoeing, swimming, visiting amusement parks, beaches, museums, go-cart riding and simply having family picnics. Before these events would take place, Melvin would always say, “I’m telling you now, if you don’t have fun, it’s your own fault.” His children are grateful for the thrills and experiences that they shared with their Dad. It was so common for Piccolo to shower his children with surprise gifts of give his last to meet their requests.Melvin not only enjoyed the thrills of outdoors, but he absorbed himself with various types of literatures. He was known as being a very “deep person”, Intellectual, Philosophical, Ethnocentric, Wise Man and Spiritual, were all descriptive of him. His religious beliefs lead him to the Nation of Islam and later he gave his life to Christ.Melvin’s training and education granted him the opportunity to become a devoted and dedicated Respiratory Therapist for over twenty-five years. He was employed for and extensive time with Good Samaritan Hospital, Bon Secours, Bay View, VA and other medical institutions. He was highly respected and admired by his colleagues. Melvin was known for telling his colleagues, “get some rest-I got it”. Later, when his health failed him some of those same colleagues were able to tell him, “get some rest-I got it”.Melvin, Piccolo, Tuhir, Dad, no matter which name he acknowledged, he lived his life to the fullest. He traveled, enjoyed cooking and eating, (“no pork please”), enthused by music, especially jazz, diligent worker, fast talker, but easy-going, loving funny person, but sometimes stern, He just Did It His Way, with that beautiful smile. In his last weeks of life, he was able to clear his conscience, cleanse his soul, reunite with his brother Lee Ernest and make amends with those close to him. His message was: “Whatever It takes, Lord, I’ll Do!”The short span of time which we shared with Melvin has come to and end, but we rejoice in the opportunity of having been a part of his life and the reassurance that we shall see him again. He leaves to cherish his memory: mother, Catherine Spivey; grandmother, Jannie Spivey (both preceded him in death)’ father, Melvin Smith, Sr.; son, Tuhir Omar Smith; three daughters, Naima Smith, Atiya Smith and Erika McKenzie; six brothers, Lee Spivey, Verdell, Larry, Clayton, Maurice and Reuben Smith; one sister, Deborah-Diane; four grandchildren, Jordan, Korah, Jessica, Julius Durant III (preceded him in death) and one expectant grandchild; special aunt, Shirley Wells; Julius Durant II, fiancé of Naima; two devoted friends, Gwendolyn McKeever and Karen Sterling; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

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Melvin Smith

December 17, 1950 - August 26, 2005