Melvin Columbus Thompson, 98, lifelong Jacksonville, Florida resident, passed away peacefully at home, Thursday evening, November 20, 2025.

He was a devoted husband for 59 years to Elizabeth "Betty" Joan Thompson (d.2009), beloved father to three children, grandfather to three, great-grandfather to four and great-great-grandfather to two.

He was a lifelong member of Northside Presbyterian Church, an avid fisherman, Union President, United States Marine that served during WWII, and a hardworking man.

Melvin was born to Johnny Melvin Thompson and Lucy L (Barton) Thompson on October 29, 1927, in the home of his parents in Norwood.

Melvin was predeceased by his parents Johnny (d.1983) and Lucy (d.1935), stepmom Ella Mae (d.1999), his wife Betty (d.2009), his son Martin Eric Thompson (d.1965) and his sister Crystal Ann Statham (d.1999).

He is survived by daughter Elizabeth "Hope" Nichols, widowed, of Jacksonville, Fl, his son Ross Thompson Sr. (Theresa) of Jacksonville, Fl, a brother Roy Thompson (Ginger) of Crawfordville, Fl. Grandchildren include Jason Carmichael, Monica Cunanan and Ross "RJ" Thompson Jr, great-grandchildren Lyric and Khloe Carmichael, and Kaden and McKenna Lucero and great-great-grandchildren Isla and Esther all of Jacksonville, Fl, as well as several nephews.

He was a man among men and will be dearly missed. The Great One, our Superman, The Magnificent One.