Melvin Delanor “Pappie” Harrison was born on December 28, 1941 to Langston E. Harrison Sr. (father) and Ardellia (Reid) Harrison (mother) in Toledo, OH. Melvin accepted Christ at age 13 and departed on April 27, 2021. In the 1960s, Melvin graduated from Jessup W. Scott High school, attended Colorado State University, and later graduated from Owens Community College with an Associate’s degree in Political Science. Melvin was drafted into the U.S. Army, fought in the Vietnam War, and was awarded a Purple Heart.

Pappie wore many hats, he played high school and college football, ran track, played baseball, and was infamously known for his boxing. Melvin was a boxing champion in his division with Golden Gloves and later on won his title match in the Class A division fought under the banner of the Trinidad Olympics. During his boxing career, he met and became friends with Cassius Clay who is famously known as Muhammad Ali. He loved telling stories of memories that he shared with Mr. Ali.

Melvin continued on to become a music writer, producer, and manager to Unique Blend and Unlimited Four. Melvin wrote and produced songs such as “Mommy and Daddy”, “I Wanna Be Happy”, and “Old Fashioned Woman”, dedicated to his future wife, Vera, as well as many other records. Melvin and his groups also opened up for and toured with various famous music artists.

Melvin married Vera (Turner) in 1971 and was a father to four children, Rhonda Lee McGough, Arthur Lance McGough, Mel Veno Harrison (Betty), and Charlotte Sidra (Harrison) Wells (Michael) better known by his father-in-law “Big Mike”. Melvin worked for Sun Oil Refinery for 30 years where he gained his other nickname “SureBet”, he retired from Sun Oil Refinery as a boiler maker in 1995.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Langston and Ardellia Harrison, and brother Robert “Bobbie” Harrison. Melvin is survived by his wife, Vera Harrison, four children, two brothers Langston E. Harrison Jr. (Athlene), Sidney E. Harrison, sister Joan McCreary, grandchildren Aaron, Dominique, A’Mya (Victoria), Bria, Asia, Michael (Nya), LaMika, Roy, Melvin, Mi’Kya, Auh’sum, Ari’yanna, Ayaan, 9 Great grandchildren with 2 more on the way, two Godson’s Eric Huckaby (April) and Charles Burton, as well as a host of other family members and friends.

Thank you to friends and family for your love, prayers, and support. A special thank you to Melvin’s sister-in-law Terry Jean Sutton (Kevin).

The family will receive guests on Sunday, May 2, 2021 from 2 – 4:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home – Northwest Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo (419-473-0300). Funeral Services and Interment will be Private. Melvin will be laid to rest at Historic Woodlawn Cemetery.

Those wishing to make contributions are asked to consider the American Cancer Society.

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