Melvin Jacob Browder, Jr.

Melvin Jacob Browder Jr. son of the late M.J. “Doll” Browder and Roxie (Snowden) Browder was born February 16th, 1945, in Reidsville, Ga. He was married to Rose Mae (Smith) Browder for 59 ½ years. In this beautiful union there were 6 children. He departed this life January 20th, 2026, due to a brief illness at Savannah Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.

Melvin also known to so many as “Bo” graduated from Tattnall County Industrial High School in 1962. He went on to work at Georgia Pacific for several years and traveled working as a pipeline operator for several more years. On September 1st, 1973, he

began his successful career at the Georgia Forestry as the first African American Fire Ranger in Tattnall County. He dedicated his career to protecting Georgia’s forest, land, and communities. Through long days and unpredictable nights, he worked to prevent and suppress wildfires and ensure the safety of rural communities across Georgia. His work required courage, discipline, and an unwavering sense of duty, all qualities he carried with quiet pride. He retired with 34 years of experience as a Fire Ranger with the Georgia Forestry on August 1st, 2007. Melvin decided to come out of retirement and went on to work part-time at Action Pact in Reidsville, Ga. He continued his lifelong commitment to service by delivering meals to the elderly and disabled community members, while also offering companionship and meaningful conversation to those in need.

Melvin gave his life to Christ on March 29, 1981, and faithfully served the Lord for more than four decades. He became a devoted member of Hagan Temple in Hagan, Georgia, where he remained a pillar of the church for 44 years until his homegoing.

His spiritual journey was marked by humble service and unwavering dedication. He first answered the call as a Deacon, and through years of faithful obedience, went on to serve in many positions as a member of Hagan Temple. Melvin attended America Come Back to God Bible Institute and played an active role of winning souls for Christ as a Minister and later as a Superintendent. In every role, Melvin led with integrity, wisdom, and a servant’s heart. His life was a living testimony of devotion to God, love for the church, and service to God’s people.

Melvin was a beloved member of his community in Tattnall County, who never met a stranger. Known for his warm spirit, personable nature, and deep knowledge, he was someone people naturally gravitated toward and trusted. Melvin was preceded in death by his brothers: James Timothy Browder, Tom Browder and Wilbert Browder, sisters: Grace Lane and Juanita Jamerson.

His lasting life will be forever cherished and honored in the lives of his wife of 59 ½ years, Rosa Mae (Smith) Browder of Reidsville, Ga; His children, Tim Browder(Tomeka) of Reidsville, Ga; Melvin J. Browder III of Reidsville Ga; Barbara Wheeler (Ronald) of Vidalia Ga; Tarsha Browder of Reidsville, Ga; Jeanita (Gigi) Porter of Lithonia, Ga; Honorary daughter, Rosaria Browder of Reidsville, Ga; His two living siblings; Gail Carlton of Reidsville, Ga; Dale Browder (Jim) of Arlington, Tx and his beloved grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, god-children, friends and family.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the chapel of Low Country Cremation & Burial.

Homegoing services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Deliverance (formerly known as Hagan Temple) in Hagan GA.

Pallbearers will be Bryon Cooper, Don Cooper, Joseph Cooper, Jermaine Rogers, Anthony Rogers, and Robert Smith.

Interment will follow at Robert’s Chapel Cemetery.

Low Country Cremation & Burial is honored to serve the Browder family through this time of bereavement.