Melvin Smith Jr.

April 6, 1949 ~ June 23, 2023

Melvin Earl Smith Jr., 74, of Harvard, passed away Friday June 23, 2023, at Bryan Medical Center East Campus in Lincoln, with his family by his side.

Melvin was born April 6, 1949, to Melvin Earl Sr. and Ava (Woodward) Smith in Aurora. Melvin went to Harvard Public Schools in 1969. He was drafted to the United States Marines in 1969. Before leaving to serve his country he married Anna Jean Rollins on Sept. 12, 1969. To this marriage, three children were born: Christy, Marilyn, and Bruce. Melvin was employed with George Brother’s of Sutton for 50 years. While employed there he worked as a truck driver and his last several years there he was a mechanic working on their trucks. George Brother’s was considered his home away from home. Memorial services were at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 29, at the Harvard United Methodist Church in Harvard, with Pastor Dorothy Aspegren officiating.

Burial was at the Harvard Cemetery in Harvard, with a luncheon following at the Harvard Community room. The viewing was Wednesday, June 28, at the Harvard United Methodist Church, with family present from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements made by Murray Wilson Funeral Directing. Memorials may be given to the family.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Sr, and Ava Smith; his in-laws Royal and Beverly Rollins; his son Bruce Smith; and his grandson Kyle Smith.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife Anna Jean Smith; daughters Christy and Pat Bieck, Marilyn and Chris Smith; daughter-in-law Brenda Smith; grandchildren Ashleigh (Zach), Danita (Cristhian), Shelby (Jose), Devin (Ashley), Isabella (Chance), Destiny (Devin), Makenz (Enrique), Lillian, Alyssa, Oliver and Whitney (Aaron); and 14 great-grandchildren. He also had numerous family and friends.