HR257INTRODUCED
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HR257
EJZTM9C-1
By Representative Shaver
RFD:
First Read: 17-Apr-25
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5 EJZTM9C-1 04/16/2025 NG (L)NG 2025-1672
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First Read: 17-Apr-25
HR____ MOURNING THE DEATH AND CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF
REVEREND MELVYN WATSON SALTER.
WHEREAS, it is with profound sorrow that we note the
death of Reverend Melvyn Watson Salter, on April 13, 2025,
at the age of 83; his departure leaves a void in the lives
of his loving family, many friends, and the community where
he was highly regarded; and
WHEREAS, Melvyn Salter entered the ministry in 1957
at Inglenook Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and
continued in ministry his entire life; he was a chaplain at
the local hospital and a faithful servant to his local
community through his role as the Judge of Probate of
Cherokee County from 2008-2013; and
WHEREAS, he received his Bachelor of Arts from
Samford University in 1965 and his Master of Divinity from
Southeastern Baptist Seminary; from there, he would go on to
lead several churches as pastor, including Beaver Creek
Baptist Church in Linden, Alabama, and Lamison Baptist
Church in Lamison, Alabama, (1963-1965); Maple Springs
Baptist Church in Louisburg, North Carolina, (1968-1970);
and First Baptist Church in Centre, Alabama, (1976-1998);
and
WHEREAS, Reverend Salter's other achievements include
establishing the Chaplain's program at East Alabama Medical
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establishing the Chaplain's program at East Alabama Medical
Center, leading the first interracial worship service in
Opelika and Lee County; and chairing the Advisory Board of
Auburn and Jacksonville State Baptist Campus Ministry
Programs, the Board for the Baptist Health System Advisory
Board, and The Manor, a senior housing facility; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Salter was preceded in death by his
parents, Roy and Ovell Salter; sisters, Marie Williams and
Betty Dunning; and nephew, Dale Williams; he will be
lovingly remembered by his loving wife of 61 years, Doris;
son, Duane Salter (Erin); daughter, Sheri Green (Jerry);
grandchildren, Hunter Huffman, Grayson Huffman, and Hayden
Huffman; sisters, Mary Jo Sanders (Neal) and Linda Hayes
(Ray); brother-in-law, Robert Williams; and many nieces,
nephews, and loved ones ; and
WHEREAS, beyond his service to the church and
professional capacities, Reverend Salter lived a life of
caring for everyone, with an immense love for family and any
person he met along the way; his capabilities allowed him to
turn every negative into a positive, and his strong faith in
Jesus Christ helped him persevere; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA, That the death of Reverend Melvyn
Watson Salter is recorded with deep sadness, and this
resolution is offered to his family in tribute to his life
and with heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones whose grief is
shared by many.
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