Melvin Tarver

Melvin Ray Tarver, Sr, age 95, passed away on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Melvin was born on March 23, 1926, in Wagarville, AL, which was a place that he dearly loved. The youngest of seven children, he was known for his mischievous personality and sharing his fun-loving stories. He was the son of the late Dan Tarver and Ella Thompson Tarver. Melvin served his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Nevada during WWII. After returning from the war, he married the late Iris Lane Tarver and they started a family that includes children, Jean Knizley (late David "Buck"), Shelia Tarver, Ray Tarver, and Donna Wegener (Carl); grandchildren, Kevin Knizley (Michelle), Kristi McDonald, Kim Knizley Brown (Jason), Shane Tarver (Janelle), Paige Prechter (Paul), Nikki Forbes, and Warren Wegener; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. In September of 2019, he wed Peggy Tarver, who he leaves behind to cherish his memory along with many devoted nieces, nephews, friends, and church families.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to First Baptist Church Spanish Fort, 8353 Spanish Fort Blvd, Spanish Fort, AL 36537, www.fbcspanishfort.com or Price Harris Ministries, 438 Mars Drive Shreveport, LA 71106.