JULY 4, 1946 – MARCH 30, 2018
DRYER, Melvin Douglas passed away on March 30, 2018 in Tampa, Fla. He was 71.
Mel was a husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many. He was a beautiful man with a tremendous heart. He has been known to be a man of great integrity, hardworking, loyal and respectful, with the best sense of humor that left an indelible mark on anyone he met.
He was a lead singer in a garage band called The Tropics in the 1960s that won the Battle of the Bands competition in 1966 in Chicago. They were signed to Columbia Records and had huge success in the Southern states during that time.
Dryer then went on to become a contractor using his hands to build many beautiful additions to people’s homes along with fireplaces, cabinets and bookcases. He even built one of the homes the family lived in.
He was always a pillar of strength to all who knew him and especially to his wife, children and grandchildren. Regardless of his enormous strength, he still allowed them to see his kinder and gentler side. He was always willing to be a shoulder to cry on and eager to lend an ear.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Janis Rigdon Dryer; children Devin Steele (Rhonda), Lisa DelFavero (Hank), Heather Badger (Lee), Ashley Dryer, and Kallie Mendez (Pedro) as well as 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren and other family and friends.
A visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 5 to 9 PM at Gonzalez Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 8:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to LifePath Hospice at 3010 W Azeele St, Tampa, FL 33609 or by calling (800) 209-2200. Arrangements entrusted to Gonzalez Funeral Home (813) 931-1833.
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