[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 18255]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING MELVIN HANCOCK

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize with 
tremendous pride the life and legacy of a very dear friend and an 
extraordinary West Virginian, Roy Melvin Hancock. Melvin was an 
inspiration to so many because of his deep-rooted passion for the city 
of Beckley. It is a privilege to formally recognize the impact that 
Melvin had on southern West Virginia through his dedication and 
determination to building a stronger community.
  There was truly no one who loved Beckley more than Melvin. Throughout 
his life, Melvin had a persistent calling to make Raleigh County a 
better place. His love of Beckley even earned him the title of ``Mr. 
Beckley.''
  It was through the YMCA of Southern West Virginia that Melvin 
launched his lifelong mission of community improvement. After 
graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School and Marshall University, Mel 
returned to Beckley in 1970 and started his remarkable 25-year career 
at the YMCA.
  Melvin's meaningful contributions and achievements during his career 
at the YMCA are truly immeasurable. As a leader at the YMCA, Melvin 
wanted to make sure that Beckley's finest residents were recognized for 
their inspirational work in the community; therefore, he created the 
Spirit of Beckley Award. For the past 29 years, this annual award has 
been given to those who strive to make Beckley a better place. This 
year, Melvin was posthumously honored with the award. There is truly no 
one more deserving.
  Because of Melvin's leadership and guidance, there are numerous YMCA 
programs that still exist today. Melvin understood that, in order to 
create a stronger community, it is critical to inspire our young ones. 
That is why he concentrated many of the Y's programs on expanding 
opportunities for our kids. He grew the organization's programs, camps, 
and tournaments in a variety of sports, and he established the Biddy-
Buddy Basketball Tournament, the Annual Invitational Swim Meet, the 
YMCA Day Camps, and the YMCA Pre-School. He was also instrumental in 
the development of the Paul Cline Memorial Soccer Complex facility.
  In addition to his efforts to promote Beckley's youth, Melvin also 
was the organization's lead fundraiser, establishing the annual 
international dinner, coordinating the membership drive, and raising 
the funds for the current YMCA facility that serves local families.
  There is no doubt that the YMCA of Southern West Virginia would not 
be what it is today without the dream and devotion of Melvin Hancock. 
He went above and beyond in creating opportunities for Beckley 
residents through the YMCA and in reaching the goals he wanted to 
accomplish for the organization and for the area's families and kids.
  After ending a purposeful career at the YMCA, Melvin went on to lead 
the fundraising efforts at Mountain State University. There, he helped 
fulfill many university development projects, including the Robert C. 
Byrd Library, Carter Hall, the Max Lewin Bell Tower, the John W. Eye 
Conference Center, the gymnasium, and the dormitories. The university 
flourished under his direction.
  Melvin continued his great work after leaving Mountain State 
University through fundraising efforts at Friends of Coal, the 
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Ronald Blue and Associates.
  After his retirement, he continued to be an active member of the 
community by pushing for the renovation of the Bobby Pruett Stadium and 
through substitute teaching in Raleigh and Fayette County schools. He 
especially loved the little ones in pre-K, kindergarten, special 
education and physical education. The students loved ``Mr. Mel.''
  Melvin was dedicated to giving back to the Beckley community until 
his very final days. His last endeavor was a special project for the 
Women's Resource Center to help those who have been victims of domestic 
abuse.
  Melvin not only loved his community, but he was devoted to his 
family--his wife, children, and the many members of his extended 
family. He was active in his church, he loved history, he was 
passionate about antique automobiles, he enjoyed being outdoors, he was 
loyal to his alma maters, and, of course, he loved to dance.
  It is such an honor to celebrate Melvin's life and recognize his many 
accomplishments that have helped to shape the Beckley community. I will 
forever be grateful for Melvin's unwavering leadership and for his 
countless years of service. Melvin's memory will continue to serve as 
inspiration for me and so many others to dedicate ourselves to the 
betterment of our communities.

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