Mr. Melvin Leroy Bowers
February 20, 1957 – December 25, 2023
On December 25, 2023, Melvin completed his journey of this life, when God called him to rest. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ms. Inez Bowers, and father Mr. Willie C. Hocket; grandparents, Bill and Winnie Harris; brothers, Robert Bowers and Michael Bowers; sisters Peggy Kelso and Annie Edmiston; children, (baby) Kinsley Bowers and (baby) Mikel Perry.
He furthered his academic journey by attaining a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, AL, and a Master of Science in Education with a focus on Instructional Leadership and Administration from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL. His dedication to education earned him recognition with a Professional Leadership Certificate from the Alabama Department of Education.
After completing high school in 1976, Melvin enlisted in the United States Army, serving until his honorable retirement in 1995. Melvin cherished the opportunity to serve as a soldier. He embodied the qualities of a commendable soldier: discipline, self-respect, and a profound pride in both his unit and country. His commitment to duty extended to his comrades and superiors, reflecting a strong sense of obligation. His confidence stemmed from a proven track record of ability.
Melvin’s primary specialty was 71L4H Administrative SP, 15 years, 5 months. He also served as a Recruiter RTN NCO, 12 years – 10 months. He retired as SFC (Segreant First Class from his last duty assignment and Major Command, USA Readiness GP – Redstone FC at Redstone Arsenal, AL.
Sergeant Melvin Leroy Bowers
19760824 – 19950531
Retired SFC, 71L4H Administrative SP—15 years-5 mos, 00R40 Recruiter RTN NCO, 12 years-10 mos, last duty assignment and major command was USA Readiness Group, at Redstone FC, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. While active duty, Melvin received many decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons, included are:
Meritorious Service Medal
Army Commendation Medal
Army Achievement Medal (2nd award)
Army Good Conduct Medal (6th award)
National Defense Service Medal
Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon With Numeral 3
Army Service Ribbon
Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd award)
Sharpshooter Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Automatic
Rifle Bar
Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver-W Bar
US Army Basic Recruiter Badge with 2 Gold Achievement Stars
His education and accomplishments:
71L Administrative Specialist, Dec., 1979
Jr. Leadership CRS, Jan., 1980
Primary Leadership Development CSR, Oct., 1980
EO Disc Leadership CRS Dec., 1981
Unit Disc Leadership CRS, Dec.,1981
Recruiting CRS, Aug., 1982
Recruiting Station CDR, Feb., 1982
Postal Supervisor, July, 1989
MOI Refresher CRS, May, 1990
Small Group Instructor, May, 1990
Master Assistant Training CRS, May, 1990
AMCOC (71L40). April, 1991
Upon retiring, Melvin continued his education by earning a Bachelor of Science (Athens State Univ.), Masters in Secondary Education (Alabama A&M), and Master of Science in Education Leadership, Master of Science in Education Instructional Leadership Educational Administration.
Melvin is survived by his cherished memories, embraced and treasured by his devoted wife of thirty-one years, Oliner Bowers. He leaves behind siblings: Jimmy Lee Bowers (Patricia), Thomas Hockett (Delphine), Christie Scott (Nicholas), Laura Mae Murphy, Mable Lean Ingle (James), Lola Dobbins, all residing in Fayetteville, TN, along with Rickey Hockett (Michele), Felicia Dangerfield in Huntsville, AL.
His legacy extends to his children: Melneka Bowers in Huntsville, and Melvin Duvon Perry (Veronica) in Baltimore, Marylan, Carnell Montague Douglas in Huntsville, Alabama, and Russell Montague (Jacqueline) in Nashville, Tennessee. He is also remembered by step-child: Shunkita Hardy in Anniston, Alabama, Melvin’s pride and joy were his grand-children: Fredrick A. Parker Jr., Ethan Parker, Achyston Wilson, Carlina Keys, and Jaylen Perry, and his son-in-law, Fredrick Parker Sr.
Additionally, he mentored individuals such as David Kelso (Tredene) in Memphis, Tennessee, and Regina Toogood (Kevin) in Louisville, Kentucky. Melvin’s impact and love are also carried by a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, former students, basketball players, and friends who held him dear in their hearts.
Funeral service will be 12:00 noon, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Center Grove United Methodist Church (185 Plummer Road, Huntsville, AL 35806) with Pastor David Kelso officiating. Interment will be in the Westend Cemetery in Fayetteville, TN. Mr. Bowers will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, and 8:30 until 9:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
