Melvin Alden Addison

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Melvin Alden Addison who peacefully departed this world on morning of August 12, 2025, just 18 hours after the passing of Gladys Deaton Addison. Their bond was forged over 68 years culminating in their reunion at the table of our Lord Jesus Christ, where they now rest in eternal peace together.

Born in Royston, Georgia to William Doyle and Eva Chitwood Addison on August 15, 1938, Melvin was born into a devout Christian home.  Melvin was blessed with an extraordinary close-knit relationship with his parents, two sisters (Euline Johnson and Ophelia Fulbright) and four brothers (Blant Addison, Beck Addison, Burchell Addison and Artis Addison) nurtured through love, shared experiences and unwavering support. Their deep bond was the cornerstone in his life which shaped the strong family values that he carried throughout his life.  Melvin attended Stephens County High School, then began a 20 year career at Coats and Clark on Rose Lane, in Toccoa, GA where he met and married Gladys Deaton on July 27, 1957. Together they built a home based on Love, Laughter, Kindness and Work Ethic. His entrepreneurship, savvy people skills and work ethic served him well throughout his employment career which concluded in the Shuttle Bobbin Department at Coats and Clark on Rose Lane in Toccoa, Georgia.  Melvin and his wife Gladys took the plunge and started Melvin Addison’s Carpet Cleaner’s in 1969 and later purchased the Wigwam Drive-In in Toccoa. The Wigwam was his flagship moment. 

Melvin was a self-taught salesman with natural gift for connecting with people. He built his success not from formal training but from an innate understanding of others. His warmth, sincerity and easy humor made friends of customers and customers of friends, leaving a legacy of relationships that will always reference him as a good and caring person.  He enjoyed discovering and selling items that provided value to people and local businesses. Singing was another passion that he enjoyed since his youth. He was always singing Southern Gospel and Country Music. He routinely sang at churches and religiously sang at all of the Karaoke watering holes in the area. In the early 2000’s he cut a gospel CD and continued to share his music with all ages. 

In his golden years he could be found spending the mornings enjoying breakfast with his sisters and others at local restaurants, stopping by Wal-Mart to visit with the regulars and occasionally sharing his bum knee replacement to those that he encountered.  He loved Lake Hartwell and the boat traffic that the summer brought.  He was always on his porch watching the lake activity and keeping track of the new boats on the water each year. He was a supporting father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was never satisfied staying near home, he always wanted to be around people.  He poured his heart into his work and expected his two children to set their goals high and to utilize their talent, intelligence, intellect and work ethic to achieve their goals. He loved his grandchildren and great- grandchildren and loved visiting and sharing meals and time with his family. 

Melvin is survived by his children, Eddie Melvin Addison (Renae) Martin Georgia, Lisa Renee Mote (Billy) Toccoa, Georgia; grandchildren, Eddie Melvin Addison, II (Katie) Toccoa, Georgia, Hunter Gaston Addison (Joanna) Commerce, Georgia, Alexandra Lee Wyatt (Matthew) Eastanollee, Georgia, Emily Regan Mote Toccoa Georgia; great-grandchildren, Rhett Hunter Addison, Myles Alexander Addison, Blakely Helen Wyatt; two sisters, Euline Johnson and Ophelia Fulbright both of Toccoa.

Melvin was spiritually prepared for his journey onward to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, finding peace in faith and leaving behind a legacy of love, strength and cherished family memories. Though we are heartbroken, we must release him from this life, in order for him to begin his eternal journey. We find comfort in the enduring love and memories that will forever echo in our hearts and solace in knowing that his spirit was ready for the journey.

Funeral service will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, 2 o’clock p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree Davis Funeral Home with the Reverend Jerrell Beatty and the Reverend Chad Smith officiating. Eddie Addison will be sharing cherished family stories, celebrating the enduring love and connection that defined the life of Melvin Alden Addison. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers, Clayton Rider, Leon Rider, Steve Johnson, Eddie Addison, II and Hunter Addison.

The family will receive friends at the Acree-Davis Funeral Home on Thursday, 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Friday from noon until the service time.  Online condolences may be left for the family www.acree-davisfh.com.

Interment will follow in the Stephens Memorial Gardens with the Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory in charge of the arrangements for Melvin Alden Addison