Melven Trammell

Melven Trammell was born January 13, 1947, in Eagle Mills, Arkansas to the union of Rev. Jeff Trammell and Jannie Torrence Trammell. 

The journey of life for Melven “Red” Trammell began on January 13, 1947, in Eagle Mills, a small community on the outskirts of Camden, Arkansas. He was the youngest child of 7 children born to Rev. Jeff and Jannie Torrence Trammell who pastored St. Paul AME Church. 

His parents taught him to adhere to high morals, spiritual and educational values. “Red” as he was commonly called was a 1966 graduate of Union Grove High School where he excelled as a student and played both basketball and baseball. He eventually left Camden to embark on opportunities that weren’t typically offered to African Americans in the South.

A man who was no stranger to hard work, he created opportunities for himself. He moved to Saginaw, Michigan where he met and married Phyllis Jean McElroy on June 7, 1966. Their union was blessed with two children, Melven, and Tiffany. While in Saginaw he joined the Masonic Lodge in 1990. He worked for General Motors as a machine operator for 33 years until he retired in 1998. 

In 2010, he moved back to Camden and united with St. Paul Christian Church in 2014 after Phyllis passed. They had been married for 48 years until her passing. In 2017, he joined the staff of Williams Funeral Home Van Buren in Camden and Williams Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. He was often looked to for advice and wise counsel on life, family, business, and everyday matters.    

He was a stalwart provider, allowing his family to enjoy the finer things that life offered. He was a simple man who enjoyed collecting model trains, restoring cars, carpentry, and working with his hands. Although tall, he had a gentle and loving heart. 

Melven was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. Jeff Trammell, and Jannie Lee Torrence Trammell; his beloved wife, Phyllis Jean McElroy Trammell (June 7, 1996) siblings, Effie Tolden, Amy Redding, Aaron Trammell, Junior Trammell, Lyon “Lil Bit” Trammell, and Jeff Trammell.

His pilgrimage was modest but full and fulfilling. Melven, did it his way. On Friday, March 1, 2024, he slipped the bonds of this life for a life in eternity. 

His independent spirit, iron will, and strong character will never be duplicated but leave an impression on the lives of those he touched and enriched along this life’s journey. He leaves three children, Patricia Diane King of Dallas, TX, Melvin B. Trammell and wife, Jacqueline of West Chester, OH and Tiffaney M. Trammell (DeAndre) of Saginaw MI; ten grandchildren, Melven Trammell, Jaylin Trammell, Javon Trammell, Sidney Vaughn, Shelby Vaughn, ShaTerrica Atkins, Darren Atkins, LaTarryn Atkins, Douglas Seals, and Kobi King; ten great-grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Williams Funeral Home family.

A celebration of his life will be shared at 11:00 am on Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Paul Christian Church in Camden with Rev. James Scott, eulogist. The interment will be at New Home Cemetery in Stephens, Arkansas. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2024, at Wiliams Funeral Home Van Buren in Camden.

Active pallbearers will be Darren Atkins, Douglas Seals, Kobi King, Melven Trammell, Jaylin Trammell, and Javon Trammell. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Williams Funeral Home Van Buren, the Staff of Sims Mortuary, Roland L. Gosey, Robert Henderson, Natashia Henderson, Phyllis Copeland, Marcus Copeland, Tecora Johnson, and Jordan Askew.