When younger, he played piano and trumpet and was very knowledgable of guns. Melvin enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged. A degree in Machine Tool from Greenville Technical College was achieved and he later attended Bob Jones University. Gardening was something that he enjoyed, as well as being active in the John Birch Society. He worked with Emile Barrouk at James C. White Company, and this friendship with the family lasted through life. In later years, Melvin worked and volunteered at The Times Examiner with his mother Violette Scott.