Melvin Smith

A Life of Service, Strength, Faith, and Love

Melvin Smith was born on September 20, 1953, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, to Willie Simpson Smith, Sr. and Annie Mae Johnson Smith.

Raised in a close-knit family, he developed values of faith, discipline, hard work, and personal responsibility that remained with him throughout his life.

Melvin was educated in the Laurinburg school system before attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in December 1975. He continued his education at Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in May 1990.

Melvin began working at an early age, driving a school bus while attending high school. His professional journey included work in education, hospitality, banking, finance, transportation, and business.

He worked as a substitute teacher, bartender, bank representative, debt collector, and transit bus driver. He was also an entrepreneur, owning Smith's Mowing.

In November 1985, Melvin joined the Town of Chapel Hill's Public Safety Services, serving in both fire and police capacities before continuing his career in law enforcement. He rose to the rank of Sergeant with the Chapel Hill Police Department and retired in October 2008 after nearly 23 years of dedicated service.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Melvin demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a commitment to fairness. In April 1992, he was named Officer of the Year by the Chapel Hill Police Department. He pursued extensive professional training in supervision, conflict management, community policing, crime prevention, and leadership.

In March 1999, Melvin addressed the Chapel Hill Town Council, advocating for fairness and transparency in promotional procedures within the Police Department. He called for "a level playing field" for all officers, reflecting his conviction that opportunity and leadership should be grounded in fairness.

After retiring from the Police Department, Melvin continued serving his community as a school bus driver with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools beginning in August 2010. He remained in that role until the arrival of COVID-19, when he chose to retire to avoid unnecessary exposure.

Melvin's commitment to service extended beyond his professional career.

He served as President of the North State Law Enforcement Officers Association's COFFEE Chapter from 2002 to 2008 and as a member of the Orange County Human Relations Board from 2003 to 2006. He was a longtime member of the NAACP and served as Worshipful Past Master of his Masonic Lodge.

His contributions were recognized through numerous honors, including the Jasper Allen Award from the Chapel Hill Downtown Commission in 1995, Special Recognition from Special Olympics North Carolina in 1998, a Certificate of Appreciation from Peace Runners International in 1999, and the John D. Marable Award in 2001.

Those who knew Melvin knew him as a straight shooter-honest, direct, and unwavering in his principles. He had a presence people remembered, whether through his steady voice, firm handshake, or the way he carried himself. He expressed love through protection, guidance, and quiet consistency. Children were naturally drawn to him, even with his authoritative nature. He carried both strength and softness, earning the respect and trust of those around him.

Affectionately known as "Sug," a nickname inspired by his love for lemons, Melvin embodied both sweetness and edge-a little sweet, a little sour, and always authentic. He appreciated simple pleasures, especially working in the yard, keeping things neat and orderly, and sharing a well-timed joke. Beneath his serious exterior was a gentle and playful spirit.

Faith was personal and constant in Melvin's life. He prayed before rising each morning, before resting each night, and before every meal. His relationship with God was sincere and steady, guiding his decisions and grounding his spirit.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Simpson Smith, Sr. and Annie Mae Johnson Smith; his siblings, Ella Mae Smith Daughtry, J.T.

Smith, Gregory Mark Smith and Willie Simpson Smith Jr.

Melvin leaves behind his loving wife, Sabrina Smith; his siblings, Wilbur Smith, Sue Ann Smith McDowell, Leon Smith (Bettie), and Sarah Christine Smith Smith Armstrong (Michael); his daughters, Kimberly Lattimore (Stevie) and Tori Cortez Smith; his stepsons, Andre Farrar and Torrell Farrar; his grandsons, Jahlen Parker, Elijah Farrar, Davis Farrar, Azari Farrar, and Coby Farrar; his granddaughters, Victoria Smith, Lauren Rollins, Olympia Farrar, and Makenzie Farrar; his great-granddaughter, Emery Rollins; his sister-in-law, Latoya Covington; his brother-in-law, Shawn Covington (Ashley) and a host of family and friends that will cherish his memory.

Melvin believed deeply in the message of Our Deepest Fear by Marianne Williamson, which speaks to the strength, light, and purpose within each person. Its message reflected his belief in recognizing one's potential and living with courage and conviction.

Melvin's life was defined not only by the positions he held or the honors he received, but by the principles he lived, the people he served, and the family he loved. His strength, humor, faith, and unmistakable presence will remain part of his lasting legacy.

OUR DEEPEST FEAR

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.