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Melvin DRYER Obituary
71, passed away March 30, 2018. 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 seven grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren; and other family and friends. A visitation will take place Wednesday, April 4, 2018 from 5-9 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. Arrangements entrusted to:
Gonzalez FH (813) 931-1833
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Memories and Condolences
for Melvin DRYER
4 Entries
Shirlee McRory
April 3, 2018
So very sad to hear of Mel's passing....praying for Janis and the family
RICHARD Wilton
April 2, 2018
We started hanging out in the early 60's. I went to Madison Jr. High and Mel went to Monroe Jr. High. We met at the tent skating rink on Manhattan Ave.and became best of friends. We use to hitch hike everywhere because we didn't have a car and we went to all the hang outs in Tampa. We met a couple of service guys from MacDill Air Base and started a do woo band and played for over two years. We both went to Robinson High School and that's where I took Mel over to meet Janis and they started dating. We did everything together and been best of friends for over 55 years. I will always be like a true brother and miss him dearly. Mel is now in heaven with God.
Kathleen Baird
March 31, 2018
I first met Mel when he and the band auditioned for Margie and Dick. I later became the President of the Tropic's fan club at Surfers. Mel, being the singer, was an integral part of the best band in the Tamp Bay area in the 60's. He had such a great voice and such a great presence on the stage. I will forever love his rendition of James Brown. I always thought he did James Brown better than James Brown. Mel was such a great guy and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. RIP my old dear friend. I will always have fond memories of you. Kathy McKnight Baird
Charlie Souza
March 31, 2018
I first met Mel in my sophomore year at Robinson High School. Mel was in 11th grade. Even then, there was the loving couple, "Mel and Jan", inseperable!
Our first gig together was in our schools musical, Oklahoma. Mel was the star of the show and played the lead role of Curly because of his powerful voice. Mel also sang lead for The Tropics, a seven-piece horn band at the time, and he introduced me to Buddy Pendergrass, the founder of the band. The Tropics needed a bass player and they asked me to join, and Buddy taught me how to play bass guitar. I remember riding with Mel in his sleek black Studebaker his Dad had given him. He was the good looking guy with a cool car and I was stoked to be in the band with him. I'll never forget those first days with him and the years that followed were the best years of our lives! These last days have been hard, seeing him suffer. Now he is free. Goodbye my dear friend. I love you. Sleep in Peace.
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