Melvin A. Lamar

Sergeant Major Melvin Lamar, 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by the virtual love and prayers of family and friends on Thursday, April 22, 2021. Melvin who was affectionally called BoBo by family members and friends, was a decorated veteran who served in the Gulf War in Saudia Arabia.  At the time of his death, BoBo was working at the Defense Information Security Agency at Fort Meade Maryland as a Contracting Officer Representative.  Melvin Lamar faithfully served his country for a total of 29.5 years.

Melvin (BoBo) was born on Sunday, September 11, 1960 in Sylvester, GA to his parents Mr. Melvin E. Lamar and Ms. Betty Lamar Williams. Years later the family unit relocated to the Atlanta area.  When he was just 18, BoBo decided he wanted to join the Army and was stationed in Augsburg, Germany as a Radio Teletypewriter Operator.

During his years of active duty, Melvin was station in South Korea, Germany, Saudi Arabia,  Fort Campbell Kentucky, Fort Gordon Georgia.  His awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Global War on Terrorism, and numerous other prestigious awards and medal which serve as a testament to his loyalty to serving, and defending the people, laws, and morals of the United States of America.  Melvin was also a member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy and Sergeant Morales Clubs.

After moving to Maryland, in 2003 Melvin started working at The Pentagon where he would continue serving his country through administrative duties.  Then on Wednesday, September 1, 2004 BoBo married the love of his life Barbara Snead.  Instantly Barbara became the sun in BoBo’s world.

Melvin was also a true lover of knowledge.  During his 60 years of living he earned Bachelor of Science degree in Social Psychology graduating Cum Laude from Park University, a Master of Arts degree in Business Administration graduating Magna Cum Laude from TUI University, additionally BoBo also completed a Master’s Degree in Project Management, Information System Management, and Human Resources finishing all as a Cum Laude graduate from Keller Graduate School of Management.

When he wasn’t working, BoBo was at home spending time with his wife and grandchildren.  BoBo was a quiet man who enjoyed and appreciated the simple things in life.  He loved being surrounded family and friends; always willing to entertain them in his home.  He was the resident DJ at events playing old school, new school music, and everything in between ensuring everyone was on the dance floor having a wonderful time.  It should be noted that while Keith Sweat was BoBo’s favorite musical artist of all time, gospel music was his absolute favorite musical genre.  During quiet days at home he would enjoy viewing a variety of sports on television especially the Las Vegas Raiders professional football team.

Melvin was predeceased by his brother James Lamar and several aunts and uncles. He is survived by his devoted wife Barbara Snead Lamar; children, Laneka Lamar (Aliceville, AL), Melania Lamar (Bowie, MD), Tia Snead (Bowie, MD), Mia Snead (Bowie, MD), and Darrell Snead (Bowie, MD); mother, Betty Lamar Williams; father, Melvin Lamar (Atlanta GA); siblings, Shelia Lamar (Decatur, GA), Michael (Stephanie) Lamar (Decatur, GA); aunts, Beatrice Parker (Albany, GA), Juanita Woodard (Sylvester, GA), Mary Woodard (College Park, GA), Waltina Gadsden (Charleston, SC), and Mercedes (Henry) Slaughter (Berlin, NJ); uncles Felton (Elizabeth) Lamar (Albany, GA), and Calvin (Shirley) Lamar (Delray Beach, FL); grandchildren, Kennedie Lamar, Khloe Scales, Kayleigh Scales, Kylah Bonner, and Kyson Lamar (All of Aliceville, AL), and Kayli Snead (Bowie, MD); and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Melvin “BoBo” Lamar will be sorely missed by everyone blessed to have known him.  More importantly he will be remembered as the gentle soul who was full of love and always willing to help a friend or family member in need.