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Melvin Foster Obituary
WAYNESVILLE - On August 15, 2014, at 2:27 AM, Melvin Arthur Foster, 65, went home to be with his Lord. Melvin passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family.
Melvin was born January 7, 1949, in Aberdeen Washington to the late Cordie O'Dear of Canton, and the late Samuel Foster of Aberdeen.
Melvin graduated from Sylva Webster High School in 1967. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Warren Wilson College then went on to earn double Master's Degrees in English Literature and History. Melvin had a passion for learning and he taught at West McDowell Middle School for 27 years encouraging each of his beloved students to not only excel academically but endeavor to be better people. He was a well loved and deeply respected educator. He made a difference in each life he touched and was honored to serve his country as a Naval Reservist. Melvin's other passions included reading, hunting, fishing, and challenging anyone to a serious game of Rummy. He also loved to read and study the Bible. Melvin was a member of Pleasant Balsam Baptist Church and a former member of Greenlee Baptist Church.
Melvin was preceded in death by his youngest son Jason.
He is survived by his son Eric; grandson, Blake; brothers Jim (Kathy) Weatherman of Waynesville, and John Foster of Maryland; several nephews and nieces; and many special friends.
Melvin was a true gentleman with a n incredible sense of humor who never met a stranger.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Sunday, August 17, with the Reverend Bobby Downs and the Reverend Ricky Mason officiating. Pallbearers will include Chuck Weatherman, Travis Foster, Michael Bryson, Chris Bryson, Kenny Bryson and David Sutton. Burial will follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends one prior to the service at the funeral home.
Flowers may be sent to Garrett Funerals and Cremations or donations given to MedWest Life Path Hospice in Sylva.
On behalf of Melvin, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to his physicians, Dr. Steven Crider at Mountain Medical Associates, Dr. Angela Connaughton at Western Carolina Pulmonary, and finally to Dr. Mackey and his exceptional staff at Life Path Hospice. We will be forever grateful for your kindness, compassion, and generosity in his final days.
Garrett Funerals and Cremations is caring for the Foster family. www.garrettfuneralsandcremations.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Foster
debbie foster shore
October 5, 2014
words can't even begin to say how sorry i am for the loss of such a wonderful man. I loved melvin very much. Melvin was my teacher, my husband, and my friend. Even though things didn't work out between us, i still loved him and always will. He taught me so much. I am thankful to his family for being so good to him. He was blessed to have you all. I am so sorry that you all have to go through this loss. Even though I know he is at peace now, I know how heartbreaking
it is to have lost such a blessing to this world. I am also very sorry that i couldn't make it to the funeral. my health hasn't been very good either,but my son cody did make it. This was very hard on him too. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kim Allison Martin
August 19, 2014
So sorry for your loss, you will truely be missed by many. Had Melvin in 8th grade at West.. Such a great loss. Praying for the family
Irma Warren
August 19, 2014
I did not know Mr. Foster as a teacher. I knew his son Eric and I know from all the kind words from his past students he was a wonderful person. Eric must haven taken all that from his Dad. All my prayers are with the family. May God bless you all!
Barbara Slone
August 18, 2014
Mr. Foster ...You inspired but also motivated me and so many other people. I remember you in school you were not even my teacher but I would do my language arts class work and beg my teacher to let me go crash your class. You always welcomed me with a little chuckle. That is really something when students crash a class.Every time I hear someone say the word "aint" You come to mind with a little laugh attached. When I got married you gave me and my husband advice so many times. When I had my kids you helped me from major breakdown's and told
Toke the fears away. A few years Ago my family and I were going threw huge family issues and I just smiled when you described me to them. It made me feel good to hear someone out their knew me and believed in me. You saw me at my weakest and still liked me as a person, and directed me on why I was stronger than my obstacle. As well as so many others.Thank you Mr. Foster for a life well lived. You treated everyone with compassion and respect. You are a true inspiration on how to treat others and inspire and motivate everyone you meet. I love you ,Tell Jason he is loved and missed. Glad for both of you and your reunion. I know it was beautiful.
Lorra Morgan Parker
August 18, 2014
How can you not tear up reading everyones precious memories they have left on Mr. Foster's Guest book? I had Mr. Foster at West in 9th grade for English. My only regreat with his class and well most of school in general is that I didn't care more about it. I mainly cared about the bell ringing and going home.. well for the most part. Hind sight is 20/20 and if I could go back I'd soak up every word and stay focused and be a sponge. All that being said I have alot of respect for Mr. Foster. To have touched so many lives as he did is a true testiment of what a teacher is suppose to be. It is a gift and not everyone has it. Mr. Foster had it and left a mark on the lives he touched. I wish I'd known him better than I did and stayed in touch. My heart goes out to his family and everyone thats heart is breaking for the loss of this kind soul.
Matt M
August 18, 2014
A wonderful man. The world is a bit dimmer now. He will be sorely missed.
patrick bagwell
August 18, 2014
Melvin was one of a kind.he was gentle kind honest and real.he inspired me to do my best in everything I did.i really learned a lot in that 9th grade classroom.and the word 'aint' will never be the same.thanks for being a rolemodel an inspiration but most importantly a friend
I love you mr.foster!!!
Ashley Lewis Shepherd
August 18, 2014
Mr. Foster , your passion for education will be truly missed! I learned so much from you, may your passion for literature live on!
Jim Crawley
August 17, 2014
A good friend and fellow teacher who lit a "spark" in students. You will be remembered!
Jim Crawley
August 17, 2014
A good friend and fellow teacher who lit the "Spark" in many students. You will be missed
Laura Dennie
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster you were absolutely the best teacher I have ever had. I can only hope you were aware of the powerful impact you had on the lives of every student that sat in your classroom.
Brandi Loudermilk
August 17, 2014
A candle for the best teacher. My mentor, friend, & 2nd dad. Forever in my heart you will remain.
BRANDI Loudermilk
August 17, 2014
Melvin was always a very kind soul. He loved teaching, loved his students, and cared deeply for his family and friends. I feel very honored to have had the privlige of being a former student. Fellow coworker many years ago. But even more I had the chance to have my mentor, & hero, become very close to me & my family. He was like a father to me & a grandfather to my son. My father & husband thought of him as family.
Spent many happy days together. He was always a thoughtful caring person. He will be missed by many. He was one of a kind. Loved his coffee, litature, rummy, and always wanting to be a help to others.
Heaven gained amazing man. Now he is watching down on many who lives he touched & in lots of ways help change for the better.
My 2nd Father. I love you and will always keep you in my heart and mind. You always cared enough to show me qualites within myself that I couldn't see. I just hope you knew just how much you were loved and the many lives you helped touch and changed for the better. RIP
David McKinney
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster,
You touch the lives of so many students. You were more than a teacher, you were my mentor. Even after your class you took me into you home and helped with my homework all the way through high school. I will be forever grateful.
Keith Bradley
August 17, 2014
Had him for English in 9th grade. I wish I had known what a privilege it was at the time.
Not to take anything away from comparable teachers of today, but ones like Mr. Forster are becoming more rare as the years go by. I hope our county honors him in a way that he deserves.
Amy Clark Carey
August 17, 2014
Melvin was one of the greatest men I ever knew. He was so kind, real and human. You couldn't hide anything from him, no fear, no half truth. He took me into his home when my son was born and treated me like his own child. I will always love him for that! Sleep with the angels Mel!
Tracie Cable Lawson
August 17, 2014
He was wonderful teacher. He was a strict and caring teacher. He will be missed and remembered by all the students he taught. May god bless Eric and family in this time of sorrow.
Dawn Haney
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster, words cannot express the grief I feel at your loss. You were the reason I became an educator. Thank you for showing me that words are powerful and that with them we either build or destroy. May your soul rest easy in the afterlife.
Bobby Pate
August 17, 2014
This teacher was one of good ones
Jason Dillingham
August 17, 2014
Mr Foster,
You gave so much to so many, your gift with words. You guided us and stood up for us, the outcasts, troubled kids, jocks and popular all alike. You taught us to think and act for ourselves when so few others would. You were a light in the darkness. Never did you demand respect, but you certainly commanded it, and we YOUR students salute you sir. God rest your soul Sailor, Teacher, and Man of Heart, you did your duty and then some. We will love you forever for it.
Until we meet again, Sláinte Mr Foster.
Tracy Ross
August 17, 2014
It was in his theatre class that I first fell in love with acting. He was a great teacher and man.
Wayne Silver
August 17, 2014
It was my pleasure to work with Melvin at WMJH. He was a most dedicated teacher and a fine gentleman. His level of commitment was exemplary and served as a standard for his peers. I appreciated him as a colleague and as a friend.
Amanda poole-loggains
August 17, 2014
Melvin, I know I never had you as a teacher, but I have heard from friends how wonderful you are. Rest In Peace!!
Tim Hollifield
August 17, 2014
Really hate the world lost this great man I have to say to me he was the best educator I ever had the privilege to have learned from RIP Mr.Foster heaven gain a great angel
Charlie Poole
August 17, 2014
The "MAN." One of the greatest of all "TIME." RIP!
martha early
August 17, 2014
I thought he was a great teacher. He helped my daughter with a problem that she had in a way that probably no one else could have. He really cared for students.
Jenny Slone
August 17, 2014
Goodness Mr.Melvin Foster ... I hope you know how many life's you touched...you taught me about books poetry... I still have the book you gave me Edgar's poems , but you taught me lessons of life...if you think you're going to break in the storm laugh your way through them & set your sail's in a different direction... I think of you often ...Thank you for being such a wonderful man...<3 Love you Meeelvin !!!
Leslie Allison
August 17, 2014
Mr.Foster the best teacher ever and a great person. The first time I walked into your classroom my eyes lit up. On one wall Romeo and Juliet,Edgar Allen Poe,the old man by the sea,the odyssey by homer and Latin suffix and prefixes. I knew right then that this was going to be a special class and it was because of you. From dressing up as God's and goddess while learning greek mythology to memorizing the balcony scene from romeo and Juliet to you reading the Raven by candlelight on Halloween amazing. Jason and I became best friends through jr.high, high-school and after graduation and I glad that through our friendship I got to know you more. I loved going to your house still learning from you listening to your advice. I miss Jason and I will miss you Mr. FOSTER!!! "Forever More"
Hayley Wood
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster was one of those magical teachers. My heart goes out to his family, and for everyone he personally touched through his love of teaching. Thank you so much Mr. Foster.
Thomas Lowery
August 17, 2014
Best teacher at WMJH. A good friend after I got outta school. Will be missed more than any teachers I had WMJH. He taught me so much in 9th grade english. Loved, Missed and forever in our hearts Thank You for teaching me so much..
Chandra Buchanan (Delis)
August 17, 2014
You will forever be missed Mr. Foster.
amanda allen
August 17, 2014
I loved Mr. Foster he was the best teacher in the world .he taught me so much about Shakespeare and poetry . He will be truly missed .
andrew loudermilk
August 17, 2014
Loved him like a second father and he always cared for everone
Sharon Webb
August 17, 2014
I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of a wonderful teacher! i remember mr. foster telling me there was no such word as aint. but i used it anyways. he will be truly missed.
Jason Gouge
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster was and still is one of the best teachers I've had in my life, he was more of a father figure than teacher most of the time . In school he taught me so much especially to never stop trying and ain't is not a word. Don't worry I'll do my push up's Mr.Foster :) . He also taught me how to do a perfect spit shine on any pair of dress shoes or boots " NJROTC". He was a great friend in school and outside, his door was always open to his students (kids). He will truly be missed. Quoth the Raven , " Forever More ".
Beth Anderson. (Silver)
August 17, 2014
Wonderful teacher. Beautiful soul. You will be missed.
Joshua Robinson
August 17, 2014
RIP Mr Foster. You where always one of my favorite teachers is school.
Mia (Barrier) Lowery
August 17, 2014
Mr. Foster was an amazing teacher and mentor. One who I feared yet learned to love my ninth grade year among my friend at West Mcdowell Jr. High. He earned the trust and respect of me and many of my friends threw teaching us with words from Edgar Allen Poe , Shakespeare, and my personal favorite Greek Mythology. Along with a few tails of his own military career.... He's probably lecturing us from above now on being strong and brave helpful to each other and help each other threw this time of need. ( and preparing a lecture for me on how poorly I've wrote this knowing I could do better) May God bless and heal all those missing him today.
Terry Rief
August 17, 2014
Melvin Foster was a teacher who truly loved and had a deep passion for his students and the material he was teaching them. I had him for English and creative writing. I painted a few of his pictures on his walls and remember the edger Allen poe, romeo and Juliette, the old man and the sea and the odyssey by homer, and who remembers all those Latin suffix and prefix. It has been over 20 years and his methods and pasions for teaching still inspire me till this day. Melvin Foster will always be a legend in my book. The students of West McDowell lost more then a teacher. He was our friend.
Bob Burnette
August 17, 2014
Mr Foster was one of the best teachers I've ever had. Halloween was the best when he would read edgar Allen Poe by candlelight in the auditorium. He truly cared about his students and made a major impact on my life.
Ann Mabry
August 17, 2014
This is such sad news! Melvin Foster was a wonderful friend and delightful person!
I loved how he treated his students!
Tansy Freeman
August 17, 2014
Most definitely an inspiration to me. I still have my notebooks from his class. Rest in peace Mr. Foster thoughts and prayers with family and riends.
Nikki Loftis
August 17, 2014
Praying for his family. I was so afraid to talk in his class cause i didnt wont to say aint. A great man and teacher he will be greatly missed..
Reva Egerton-Cannon
August 17, 2014
I can remember the beginning of 7th grade and being scared to death of Mr. Foster and he knew it but he wasn't gonna have me afraid of him and he became the teacher that would have that would have the most lasting impression in my life, he was a wonderful teacher and a great man!!! My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.
Kelly Grant
August 17, 2014
So sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with the family he was my favorite teacher he could whip his bull whip do well one thing about jr high ill never forget
Jarrod Kirby
August 16, 2014
One of the most inspirational teachers I ever had. He taught me the value and beauty of Shakespeare and other classic writers like Poe. Of all the teachers I had at west mcdowell jr. high, he helped us realize the sky's the limit. Thanks for being one the best teachers I ever had.
Alicia Elliott
August 16, 2014
I didn't have him for a teacher..but I was invited to his house with a friend and her class to a Halloween party. It was so...much fun! I still remember the decorations driving up to his house. He was an awesome guy! So sorry to hear of his passing. May God give your family and loved ones peace and understanding like only he can do.
Todd Lindsey
August 16, 2014
I had the pleasure having Mr. Foster in 8th and 9th grade. I also had the pleasure knowing Melvin as an adult as he informed me one day was his name to all that were no longer his students. He treated me the same as a very young student as he did as a young adult, with respect. He will always be remembered and I will always be thankful for helping mold me into the person I am today. You will be missed Mr. Foster!!!!!
August 16, 2014
So sorry about Melvin. He taught my children at west McDowell junior high. My thoughts are with you.
Hope McClellan
August 16, 2014
What a great man! The world lost one of the best insperational people that I have ever had the pleasure to be taught by. Thank you Mr. Foster for all the years of love you gave. I can hear you cracking that whip once again as you renter heaven. May God bless the family. You are in my prayers.
Sheryl Williams
August 16, 2014
Truly saddened to hear of Mr. Foster's passing. He was, by far, the best and most memorable teacher I ever had in my school years. Praying for his family.
Jennifer Buchanan Hill
August 16, 2014
"Every man's life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another." Hemingway
You live in our memories. Thank you
Robert Smith
August 16, 2014
Mr. Foster was the best teacher I ever had. Great person. He will be missed
Gracie Chapman
August 16, 2014
Mr. Foster was one of the best teachers I ever had. I did push ups every day. I helped paint his classroom at west. I am praying for the family. Rest in peace.
Janet Blair
August 16, 2014
So sad to hear of Mr. Foster's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and friend to so many. I learned so much from him. Prayers for those closest to him.
Mary Messina
August 16, 2014
Melvin was a great teacher and even greater friend. We shared a lot of good and bad times, but he was always there regardless. A wonderful and kind person who will be missed.
Britian & Susan Aldridge
August 16, 2014
You were our favorite teacher. We love you Mr. Foster.
Chip Craig
August 16, 2014
Melvin was, and always will be, my favorite teacher.He was kind and generous to all of us and made us memorize the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliet:) And let's not forget the proper English (The word AIN'T was a 20 push-up word). And since I graduated his class, I was aloud to call him Melvin! Thank you for helping to mold me into the person I am today! God Bless You
Jennifer Huether
August 16, 2014
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you have lost Mr. Foster. He was a truly an amazing person who touched all those he came in contact with.
Kristi Eutsler
August 16, 2014
To the family of Mr. Foster, you are in my thoughts and prayers! He was a great teacher and I will never forget being in his class.
Jacque Hughes-Burns
August 16, 2014
Mr. Foster...was my teacher at West. He took an awkward and painfully shy kid under his wing and instilled the growth of self esteem and confidence. He was one of the reasons I continued my education and became a teacher. Many prayers for his family that God will give them comfort during this time of grief. Mr. Foster....you are loved and will be sorely missed. You really made a difference in my life. Thank you for teaching not only English but self worth and respect.
Scottie Calloway
August 16, 2014
A true class act....bar none the best teacher I ever had. Ran into him many times after school, at churches and we would talk about the old days of school. I sure am going to miss him.
Alton and April Kelley
August 16, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Mr Foster. I can still recite things from his 7th grade class. The Foster family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam Miller
August 15, 2014
I am so sorry to hear about Melvin's passing. He was such a nice man and a joy to be around. He will be sorely missed. I will be in prayer for his family and loved ones.
Garrett Funeral Home
August 16, 2014
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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