Melvin Torrence, age 67, a resident of Hattiesburg, Miss., passed away Friday, July 24, 2015, at St. Dominic Jackson Memorial Hospital in Jackson, Miss.

He was born to the parentage of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Joseph Torrence Sr. on Feb. 1, 1948, in Bogalusa. At an early age, Melvin was reared in Metropolitan Baptist Church. He was educated in Bogalusa City Schools and graduated in 1966.

For the duration of Melvin’s life, he provided diligently. He retired after 36 years of service at Ford. Immediately after retirement, Melvin took on another agenda to work around the house and enjoy the life God granted. He loved family and helping others. Other than enjoyable hobbies such as working in his garden, traveling, playing golf and spending time with family, Melvin loved teaching his grandchildren valuable lessons, and they referred to him as “Big Daddy.”

He leaves cherished memories to his wife of 47 years: Deborah; two sons, Spencer (Cheryl) of Jackson, Miss., and Saxton Torrence of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Sheldon, Corey, Cierra and Spencer Gregory Torrence; three sisters, Edwina (Murkel) Sibley of Zachary, La.; Vivian Torrence of New Orleans and Patricia Torrence of Baton Rouge; two brothers, Irvin (Cora) Torrence of Port Gibson, Miss., and Bobby (Rhonda) Torrence of Liberty, Miss.; one sister-in-law, Lydia (William) Johnson of Columbia, Tenn.; one brother-in-law, Harry (Gloria) Peters Jr. of Gastonia, N.C.; one great aunt, Eula Douglas of Hammond; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal families.

Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2015, at Crain and Sons Funeral Home from 2 to 5 p.m., followed by a family hour from 5 to 6 p.m.

The funeral service will be Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015, at 1 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home, 809 E. Third St., Bogalusa.