Melvin Wilburn Jr.

Melvin's plant lives!

5 years in Glory

I want to say how glad l am to have met you. ' spot of sunshine along the way.'

Thanking God for your life and that you touched so many here on earth. I think possibly at times you were the very frame work that kept my sister standing, and her heart was able to take the next beat..."Vicversa l'm sure."
You and your Sax, your gentle nature, your brisket, , your smile, and twinkle in your eye.

Mom once said, "l think l could fall in love with Melvin."
What a kick she was.
Dad would answer the phone and hear, "Hello Mr. Ponzoha".
Always he'd respond, " Well Johnny, how are you?"..

.....Just..... Thanks, and Love.

There are certain places around Austin, where I used to play with Melvin, bars and clubs like The Driskill, Flamingo Cantina, Liberty Lunch... Some of them don't exist anymore, but the memories live on, and I can heart his sweet soprano sax when I pass by.

Dear Sweet Melvin, my Love, my Light, my all and my everything. We've been blessed. God put us in each other's path over 22 years ago, the best years of our life. We had the gift of life here on earth together and until "death do us part." You were a kind man, a good man. An angel here on earth. You were my best friend. You had a kind and gentle spirit, a sweet soul and a passion for life. You were the "Light-Bearer" of all things good and beautiful, of love and happiness, of peace and spirituality, of the perfect sound, melody and note...you filled every venue with your own lovely, soulful, joyful sound...a sound only you could blow! You had the best smile and giggle on earth. You lived life as you wanted, a "free spirit!" You celebrated every moment and had no regrets. You were brilliant! Your knowledge of geography, sports, math, answers to all questions on jeopardy...you knew all that and more! Your Birthday date is tomorrow. I celebrate you! I thank you for all that you brought to my life. I celebrate you! I miss you baby. Our love is eternal love. I will see you in the "Sweet Bye and Bye

Melvin. You were the best. Being in your presence always defined peace.
I will try not to miss you but keep you close in my heart.
I will attempt to learn from your life, and death.
Thank you for over 20 years of your smile, open door, and humble wisdom.

Melvin, you were a kind spirit! We will miss you! Godspeed!

Genealogically, Melvin was the great grandson of Black Creek Indian, U.S. Deputy Marshall Alex Williams in Indian Territory, Oklahoma through his grandfather Felix Williams and his mother Kathryn.

Doug Sivad, Austin, TX

I will miss your spirit, my Black Creek Indian Brother.

Doug Sivad, Austin, TX

Dearest Melly, love you always, Marion

Melvin made this world a brighter place with his sweet soul and big smile. I never once heard him speak a bad word against anyone. He made me a better person just by knowing him..we will all miss him dearly.

brother mel: thanks for all the outstanding frendship,music,and,reading material!
all my love,
ledesma

Mel is calm, cool, collective and wise. He lives on in spirit, but we all will miss him on this physical plane. He poured his majestic soul into producing magical notes from his saxophone. I hope that you are experiencing the most heavenly sounds in your higher state Mel.

Philip White

One of the realest, kindest cats I've ever known.. a true gentleman. Rest in peace, brother.

Melvin was a gentle soul who always had time for people he loved. I'll miss you dearly...

Blessings Brother Melvin. Thanks for the long talks and fond memories. See you on the mountain top. God is good, All the Time.

Melvin lives in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a true gentleman, who lifted the spirits of those near him. He always treated me as a member of his family, and I will miss him as I would miss a brother. The sky is crying in Austin.

Melvin lived life to its fullest each and every day. His music touched many he will be remembered for it.

Melvin was my saxophone brother for many years and many gigs. My favorite image he gave me: He would play sax along with The Pink Panther cartoon, because the music was hip and it was the only cartoon on TV that had no words, only music.

I always loved your smile Melvin... Your kindness towards me.... Blow em away in that big band in heaven .... You are missed already

I would like to offer a word on Melvin Wilburn Jr. from Austin, TX. Angels are never laid to rest and Melvin is and has been one of the musical angels of our music community. He would always be there in the band that had the spirit. There would always be a perfect space for him in the songs and he would fill his space as sweetly as the wind that would give a little bird its first flight or, if necessary, lift those waves of ocean songs where only the masters dwell. Melvin would also find these spaces in the simple and quiet company of friends and he would still fill that space with his smile and words that he also chose like a musician. Like an angel, his whole hearted presence has been firm among us and so it remains even as his body and his instrument take thier rest. We love you, Melvin.

Melvin will always be remembered for his soulful and heartfelt sounds that came out of music..."if you hear any noise its just me and boys"....

Melvin was my neighbor for several years. We also played music together, both in a band and in our living rooms. He was a man of good cheer and had a lovely, fine spirit. After we were no longer neighbors, we still shopped at the same grocery store and ran into each other at parties and he always greeted me with a hug and a smile. His mellowness will be missed, sorely missed.

Rest in Peace Melvin , It has been years since we have seen each other but your sweet gentle manner of being came to my memory banks upon hearing this sad news. You are loved and will be missed.
Susan Wills

He was Is such a Beautiful soul.He always made me feel loved.He is Not Dead.the sufi Poet "Saddi"said "People who touch you with their Heart and Soul will never Die.your friend Always.mohammad Firoozi.

Thankful to have shared time with this tender soul of a man. Your soul and the soul emitted from your horn will always be remembered.

I'm glad to have known you, Melvin. You were always a joy to be around and a joy to share the stage with. Thank you for always smiling and laughing and making my day better just by being you. I never saw you in a foul mood! Not once!! How beautiful is that, man? I loved your sound, your soul, and you. You will be missed by so many. RIP.