Melvin Curtis McLaurin Jr., was born on February 3, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois. He

was the third of five children born to Daisy and Melvin Curtis McLaurin Sr., in

which he was the first son. Melvin was a lifetime resident of the south side of

Chicago where he spent much of his youth around the Morgan Park area. He

attended Beth Eden Baptist Church in his youth and accepted Christ as his Lord

and Savior later in life. He attended John D. Shoop Elementary School and went

to Chicago Vocational High School where he learned the trade of carpentry.
 

Melvin married his wife Moralee Wilson in December 31, 1966. They were

blessed with one son, Melvin Curtis McLaurin III.
 

Melvin was a hard and enthusiastic worker who worked as a carpenter for several

years as well as other odd jobs until he began working for Kraft General Foods in

1969. Melvin retired from Kraft General Foods in 2004.
 

Melvin was a loving and caring person who was always devoted to his family and

friends. He was a loving husband and father. Melvin had a generous giving spirit

which he enjoyed sharing with his family and friends, participating in various

outdoor activities. He loved camping, boating, biking, and cooking with his family

and friends.
 

Melvin departed this life peacefully on Wednesday, November 4, 2015 after

a long courageous battle with cancer.
 

Melvin Curtis McLaurin Jr has joined in glory his father, Melvin Curtis McLaurin

Sr., mother Daisy; sisters Muriel Collins (Bobby); Barbara Lewis (Pastor-elect

Claude D. Lewis Sr.), and brother Michael McLaurin all of whom preceded him in

death. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of his devoted wife, son

Melvin Curtis McLaurin III, grandson Malachi Phillips, and nephew Ricardo Sims

(Cheryl) baby sister Victoria Woodley, Uncle Phillip Black, and a host of great,

great, great nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who shared and

participated in the many activities he orchestrated.