Melvin Lee Powell, 81, of Rosman, died Monday, September 3, 2012 at his residence. Melvin was born on December 23, 1930 to the late Roman Cornelius and Annie Elizabeth Meece Powell. Melvin proudly served our country in the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a decorated soldier of many awards and a Purple Heart Recipient. He enlisted in the Army in 1949 and retired from the Armed Forces as a United States Army Staff Sergeant in 1970. Surviving are his son, Michael D. Powell and wife Paula of Seale, Alabama; brother, Ernest Powell and wife Jo of Rosman; sister, Norma P. Raines of Rosman; sister-in-law, Diane F. Powell of Easley, SC; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a brother, Charles W. Powell, and a sister, Josephine P. Chappell. Full Military Graveside Rites will be conducted by the U. S. Army at 3 pm Saturday, September 8, 2012 at Middle Fork Cemetery with Rev. Tommy Owen assisting. Memorials may be made to the Middle Fork Cemetery Fund c/o Middle Fork Baptist Church, 2824 Pickens Hwy., Rosman, NC 28772.