Melvin Soares Souza

Melvin Soares Souza was born August 16th, 1930 in Porterville, CA and passed away peacefully on January 3rd, 2021 after a short illness.
Melvin was a lifetime resident of Porterville and graduated from Porterville High School in 1949. While in high school, Melvin was involved in many activities including football, baseball, track and FFA. He was an especially gifted athlete in track, specifically the low hurdles, and won many awards and held many records which gained him the nickname "Pel Mel". He was also known for his dancing prowess, particularly the jitterbug.
Melvin was raised on and helped operated his parent's dairy west of Porterville until July of 1954. In July of 1954, Melvin contracted polio. Melvin was paralyzed from the neck down for approximately7 months and from the waist down for 2 years before regaining enough feeling in his lower extremities to learn how to walk. Even though he remained disabled for the rest of his life, he purchased and operated a Texaco Service station from 1961 to 1972. In 1972 he helped start up Tharps Tire Inc where he sold tires for 15 years.
Melvin is preceded in death by his parents, Joe Souza Sr and Maria Souza Borges; his sister, Lena Souza, and his brother, Joe Souza Jr. Melvin is survived by his wife of 59 years, Georgia Bush Souza; his children, Melvin Souza Jr., Phillip Souza, Mark Souza and Minda Ghio; his grandchildren, Kelly Krueger, Megan Bressler, Christopher Souza, Alexandra Souza; and 2 great grandchildren, Meredith Krueger, and Gavin Bressler.
Private graveside services will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park. To share a memory or express condolences to the family, please go to www.myersfuneral.com/obituaries . Myers Funeral Service & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.