Melvin Eugene Hallmark, 78, Russellville, Alabama, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014, at his residence.
He was a native of Colbert County, but lived most of his life in Franklin County. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant Methodist Church until it closed then he attended Tharptown Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 27, 2014, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. The funeral service will be Tuesday, 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Andy Cansler, Josh Miller and Coy Hallmark officiating. Burial will follow in Poplar Creek Cemetery in Leighton.
Survivors include wife, Betty Cansler Hallmark; children, Michele Harris and husband, Shane, Allan Hallmark and wife, DeAnn, all of Russellville, Keith Hallmark, Renee Hallmark and JoAnn Hallmark, all of Muscle Shoals; sisters, Donnie Corsby, Carrie Thorp, Stella Blackburn and husband, Larry, Vera Vandiver and husband, Verbon, Vada Landers; brother, Clyde Hallmark and wife, Jean; other survivors, Eden and Ella Franks, Lia, Lawson and Luke Hallmark and Lillie Harris; several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be, James Cansler, Donny Cansler, Ken Hallmark, Trevor Hallmark, Kelby Hallmark and Philip Sparks.
Honorary bearers will be Jacob Landers and all of the former Southern Strangers.
He was preceded in death by parents, Benjamin and Pearl Hallmark; children, Susan Hallmark and infant son, Larry Hallmark; son-in-law, Jimmy Franks; siblings, Vester, Chester, Otis Hallmark; Lassie Box and Judy Gargis.
Melvin was a well-known and self-taught bluegrass banjo musician for 60 years. Forty of those years were with the Southern Strangers. He loved his family and his music.
