Melvin Joseph Douglas

Melvin Joseph Douglas was born on November 26, 1941 in Houston, Texas to Autley and Ella Mae Douglas. He grew up at 4423 Tareyton Street and attended Worthing High School.

Melvin gave his life over to Christ at a very young age. His parents who were firm believers of the Christian faith, raised him in a household that trusted God with all of their hearts. Melvin knew that God was with him, always.       

In 1967, at the age of 25, Melvin was inducted into the United States Army. He served his country for two years, surviving the Vietnam War and receiving an honorable discharge. While performing his duties, he was awarded a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal. As a serviceman, he received additional training as an Engineer in Equipment Maintenance. 

After his military discharge, Melvin obtained his commercial driver’s license and pursued a career as a truck driver to some of the most prominent companies in America such as Rainbow Bread, Borden's Milk, Sunbeam Bread, and many more successful companies. 

Throughout the years Melvin became the father of nine beautiful and handsome children, and a surrogate father to four. He also loved and cherished every daughter-in-love, son- in-love,  grandchild and great- grandchild.

Those that preceded him in death and are now reunited with Melvin are his parents (Autley and Ella Mae Douglas), wife (Bernadette Surgers), son (Kenneth "Bernard" Jackson) and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. 

Left to cherish his memory are twelve children; Tonya Douglas, Troy Jackson, Jackie Jackson (Chantelle), Tina McNeal, David Berry, Romonica Berry, Melvin "J.R." Berry, Autley Berry, Corey Berry (LaShunda), Latasha Berry (Jay), Mickey Surgers (Ngadie) and Tyson Surgers; a host of daughters and sons that he adopted along the way and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren that he loved dearly.

Also left to celebrate his life are his one and only Aunt Mickey, who stood by him throughout the years and encouraged him to stay strong, as well as a host of cousins.