Melvin Lewis Hollins

A quiet strength, a gentle smile, and a heart full of love—Melvin Lewis Hollins, Jr., lived a life rooted in faith, integrity, and service. He passedpeacefully on June 23, 2025, at Titus Regional Medical Center in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.. Born on December 21, 1944, in Camp County, Texas, to the late Melvin Hollins, Sr. and Christine Lewis Hollins, Melvin grew up shaped by strong values, family ties, and a deep connection to the land and the people he loved.

A proud graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, Class of 1963, Melvin answered the call to serve his country with dignity and honor in the United States Army from 1965 to 1971. He carried the discipline and quiet courage of military life into everything he did.

On December 23, 1967, Melvin married Maggie Allen Hollins, his best friend and the love of his life. Together, they shared 57 beautiful years of marriage, built on mutual respect, unwavering support, and enduring love. Their greatest joys were their daughter, Erica Hollins, and grandson, Dyson Blake Edwards, who was the light of Melvin’s life.

Melvin’s professional journey began at Day & Zimmerman in Texarkana, Texas, and continued with a dedicated 35+ year career at Lone Star Steel, where he was respected for his strong work ethic, reliability, and steady presence.

To those who knew him best, Melvin was “Pulpwood,” a nickname born from his love of cutting and stacking wood—an activity he pursued with both joy and precision. Whether tending to his pristine lawn, casting a line while fishing, or splitting logs beneath the Texas sun, Melvin found peace in the simple rhythms of nature. He was a man of quiet passions and steady hands.

A faithful member of St. Beulah CME Church and a proud brother of the Golden Compass Masonic Lodge #60, Melvin was deeply rooted in community and spiritual service. Though soft-spoken, he had a powerful presence. His smile could light up a room, and his quiet wisdom spoke volumes.

Melvin was preceded in death by his beloved parents and his brothers, Bobby Eugene Hollins and Robert Earl Hollins.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, forever cherished by his wife, Maggie Allen Hollins; daughter, Erica Hollins; and grandson, Dyson Blake Edwards; sisters: Alene Thompson. Jacquelen (Bill) Reinhart, and Diane Harris, all of Dallas, Texas, and Tammy Beaty of Jasper, Texas; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. Though he may be gone from this earth, the memory of “Pulpwood” will live on—in the hum of a lawnmower, the quiet cast of a fishing line, and the warmth of wood split for a fire.

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