On Thursday, October 13, 2011, of Collingswood, NJ. Age 92 years. Beloved companion of the late Clara B. Holden. Father of Marjorie Archambo of Knoxville, TN and Charles D. Hensley (companion Marlene E. Granitz) of Collingswood, NJ. Grandfather to Brian Machette, Laurie (Chris) Shortlidge, Daniel (Rachel) Machette and the late Michael Machette.

A resident of the Collingswood Arms Apartments, Mel was born in Andrews, NC, raised in TN and SC before moving to Philadelphia. He was a carpenter in the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in TN from 1936-1939. Millard was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran who served on the USS Chiwawa (AO68) with foreign service in Southern France and Tunisia. Millard began his civilian carpenter career in 1945, retiring in 1981. He was a member of Carpenter's and Joiners of America, Local Union #8-Carpenter's, Philadelphia, PA. He was both a structural and finish-work carpenter on major commercial projects.

Mel played banjo with the Durning String Band, Philadelphia, PA, Garden State String Band, Gloucester City, NJ and Sterling String Band, Pitman, NJ and he marched in the New Year's Day Mummers Parade, performed at Philadelphia Convention Center Show of Shows for 20 years and continued to play guitar for local community groups.  Mel was a member of Archway Senior Center, Haddon Heights, NJ.  He enjoyed entertaining with his guitar and singing country music.  Always quick to smile and make jokes, Mel loved people and animals and will be dearly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing Wednesday, October 19th, 10 to 11 AM at the FOSTER-WARNE FUNERAL HOME, 820 Haddon Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Funeral service will follow at 11 AM. Interment 1 PM at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, NJ.