Melvin Dow

Melvin’s Crusade

For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith ~2nd Timothy 4:6-7

Mr. Melvin Dow, the son of the late Moses Cain and the late Ernest and Luereather Dow Alexander, was born in Florence County on December 4, 1948. On Sunday, January 24, 2021, he entered into eternal rest at a local hospital after an illness.

Melvin received his formal education in Florence County, graduating from Wilson High School, Class of 1966. After graduation, he served with the United States Air Force from 1968 – 1972. He then collaborated with ABB, Inc in Florence, SC for several years and later extended his services to Willow Creek Masonry, Florence SC until his health declined.

At an early age, Melvin accepted Christ and joined Salem United Methodist Church. He later transferred his membership to Spring Branch Baptist Church where he was an avid member. There, he served on the Trustee Board, the Male Chorus, the Jubilaires Choir, the Kitchen Committee, the Church Van Driver, and would extend a helping hand to various auxiliaries when needed. Within the community, he was also a member of the Mill Branch Masonic Lodge 231 in which he held the position as lodge secretary.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruthie Thompson Dow and a sister, Maurice Alexander Doby. 

He leaves to cherish his unforgettable memories, a son, Darren (Cheryl) Thompson; three daughters, Yolande Dow, Latisha (James) Dow – Chandler, and Diadre Dow; eight grandchildren, R. Ty-Shawn (Alexis) Dow, N’tare Dow, Nigel Dow, Rhaiven Dow, Xavier Dow, Dylan Thompson, Trentyn Thompson, and Kendyl Thompson; nine siblings, Roberta “Bert” (Willie) Eaddy, Shirley Singletary, Samuel “Ralph” (Buelah) Harley, Dennis Cain, Chadester (Carolyn) Cain, Cheryl Ann (Dan) Redding, Cynthia Alexander Gurley, Ernest Alexander, Jr., and Kathi Alexander Johnson; one brother-in-love, Alvin (Julia) Thompson; three honorary brothers, Harold “Bud” (Angela) King, King McWhite, and Kenneth “Bubba” Spears, Jr.; one honorary sister, Brenda Bennett; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

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