On Wednesday, June 5, 2019 with his devoted wife and family by his side, Melvin Howard, Jr. slipped away peacefully from labor to reward.  Melvin, affectionately known as "Bruh" to family and friends was born September 29, 1960 to his loving parents, Helen Howard who preceded him in death and Melvin Howard, Sr.

He accepted Christ and joined Jericho Baptist Church at an early age. He received his education in the Caroline County public school system. Bruh worked as a forklift driver at Harvest Consumer Products until his health failed.

He was joined in Holy Matrimony to Shannon Smith (May 29, 2004). One of his favorite past times was attending the race track and spending time with family and friends.

To cherish his legacy of love  his devoted wife, Shannon Howard, three sons; Damien "BJ" Johnson, Kevin Howard and Justin Myers; one daughter, Jazmen Smith; his loving father, Deacon Melvin Howard, Sr.; father in-law, Leroy Smith; three sisters; Deborah Morris, Annette York and Hope Stukes; two sisters in-law, Brenda Gee (Azell), Dannielle Davis (Richard); three brothers-in-law, Reverend Kenneth Smith (Tanya), Gregory Smith (Tyesha) and Kevin Smith (Sandra); a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

A viewing will be held  from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2019 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, Inc. 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2019 at Jericho Baptist Church, 8435 Jericho Road, Ruther Glen, Virginia 22546 with a viewing one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.