Melford died on July 28. He was 70.
Melford was born on Nov. 2, 1938 in Spur, Texas to Anton and Clemmie Hodge-Smith. He was one of ten children. He attended Copeland Colored School in Copeland, Texas and O. L. Price High School in Taylor, Texas.
Melford was baptized at a young age at Lakeview Baptist Church in Elgin, Texas under the leadership of Pastor Mackey. He enlisted in the Army Reserve on Feb. 2, 1959 and later in the regular U. S. Army. He completed his service on May 31, 1963. After his honorable discharge he moved to Portland, Ore. where met and married Berda Hudson. To this union two sons were born, Casey and Jeffrey Smith. Melford is also father of two other children, Eric and Regina Clardy. Melford worked for ESCO Foundry as a metal fabricator for 35 years.
He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Edward and Willie Smith. He leaves to cherish his precious memories, three sons; Eric, Casey, and Jeffrey of Portland, Oregon, one daughter Regina of Seattle, Washington, four brothers; Melvin, Cecil, Curtis Smith all from Austin Texas, and Anton Smith Jr. of Elgin, Texas, three sisters; Etta Mae Henigan, Nell R. Green of Elgin, Texas and Marjorie Green of Manor, Texas, nine grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 4 at noon at Willamette National Cemetary.
