Melvin Hurdle, Sr.

Melvin Hurdle, Sr. was born on January 27, 1935 to the late Percy and Inez Hurdle in Pasquotank, North Carolina. Minister Melvin a very devoted Christian man who truly loved the Lord. He served faithful as a member of New Testament Church. Melvin Hurdle, Sr., was raised up in a family of music where his mother, the late Mrs. Inez Hurdle sang with the Gailletts, and his dad, the late Mr. Percy Hurdle sang in the male chorus at Union Chapel Church. Melvin who was an Ordained Minister, used his gift of singing to minister with other musical group such as the Norfolk Airs, Sunset Travelers of Portsmouth, the Gospel Kings, the Virginia Soulsters and the Perilous Four, he even sang on the Male Gospel Choir at Holy Light Church of Deliverance. He later stepped out on faith and started singing on his own and that is when he met up with his two brothers and nephew; Robert Hurdle, Wilbert Hurdle and Darrell Hurdle. Melvin and his brothers used the gifts that they were blessed with from their parents and formed a singing quartet group, "The Hurdle Brothers". One of Melvin's favorite's songs with the Hurdle Brothers, that put one of the biggest smiles on his face, was "Nothing But the Fire". In addition to his gift of singing and many other talents, Melvin managed to get his children and nieces together and formed another group he managed and supported, "The Hurdlettes". You see his gift of singing has been passed down even to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melvin has a grandchild that sings professional around the world; his legacy and gift of singing continues on in the Hurdle family. Melvin Hurdle was truly blessed! He is a master of the game, Checkers, and any of you that have played the game with him can truly say, he is a Master. Melvin married the lovely Ida Bell Reid on May 16, 1955; together they shared a blessed and covenant marriage of almost 62 years (what God has joined together let no man put asunder). From this loving union came not just two kids but eight children; first to last Annie Marie Sherrod-deceased- Feb. 3rd 2000, Melvin Lee Hurdle, Jr.-deceased- Jan. 10,2001, Mrs. Annette Starks (James), Ms. Janice Hurdle, Mrs. Debba Murphy (Curtis), Mrs. Denise McLellan (William), Mrs. Lisa Robertson (William), Mr. Carlton Hurdle (Sonja), and Robert "Bob" Lee (Sheila). Melvin is also survived by his three brothers, Leroy Hurdle, Wilbert Hurdle (Emma), Robert Hurdle (Pat) and a host of grandchildren, great- grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, the late Percy and Inez Hurdle, and his siblings, the late Minnie McClanney, the late Jack Hurdle and the late John Hurdle. Special acknowledgment to Kendra Hurdle the Apple of grandad eye.

Melvin Hurdle, Sr.

January 27, 1935 - May 9, 2017