Melvin Halsell

Melvin Halsell, 91, of Blytheville, died Friday, February 22, 2013, at his home.

Born in Houlka, Mississippi, to James Earnest and Tina Mae Lyon Halsell, he was a longtime resident Blytheville and a member of the First Baptist Church.

Melvin retired after 27 years from the furniture business. He then opened Halsell Real Estate, spending 30 years in the real estate business. He served on the boards of the Mississippi County Election Commission and the Airport Commission. He was an avid pilot. One of his joys was spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He liked to fish for crappie. He always had bird dogs, and loved to hunt duck, pheasant, and quail, and always took his children and grandchildren with him. Melvin was a "regular" at morning coffee at the Dixie Pig. He enjoyed cooking and barbecuing for his family. He also enjoyed his brother Buddy's cooking.

Melvin was a Mason, celebrating 70 years of membership on February 18, 2013. He was a member of Chickasaw Lodge #134.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Nabers Halsell, a brother, Roy Eldridge Halsell, and a sister, Annie Lee Scrape.

He is survived by his children; Susan Halsell West of Blytheville, and Diane Halsell Ritchey and her husband Dick, of Memphis;

Two brothers, Buddy Halsell and his wife Wanda of Blytheville, Johnny Halsell and his wife Dorothy of Conway;

One sister, Earnestine Stewart of Marietta, Georgia;

Four grandchildren, Jim Halsell West and his wife Kristi of Jonesboro, Meredith Ann Selvidge and her husband Lonnie of Blytheville, Holly Halsell James and her husband Mitch of Memphis, and Kim Ritchey Granger of Memphis;

And 6 great-grandchildren. An animal lover, he was especially fond of his pet dog, Ginger.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 26, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Blytheville. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 1 p.m. until service time at First Baptist Church. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, Humane Society of Blytheville, or the American Cancer Society. An online register may be signed at cobbfuneralhome.com.