Melvin Joseph Selby was born on April 29, 1936, during the Great Depression, to Melvin Jesse Selby and his wife, Helen (Marr). He grew up in Southeast Washington, DC, with his seven brothers and sisters in a small two-room home. Mel and his siblings may not have had much growing up, but they always had each other.
As a young boy, he and his brothers, Milford and Pat, delivered newspapers for the Washington Times-Herald. Thankfully, the tips they earned allowed them to buy a small television, floor tiles for the kitchen, and a few much-need schools clothes. In the sixth grade, Mel was named captain of the Patrol Boys. He was so incredibly proud of that accomplishment and, for the rest of his life, treasured the badge he earned. He attended Anacostia High School, joined the ROTC, and graduated with honors in 1955.
After graduation, Mel began working at the Giant Food Sign Shop and joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve, 13th Infantry Battalion, at the Washington Navy Yard. On July 4, 1957, he arrived at Parris Island, South Carolina, to begin boot camp. After his very first day, lying in his bunk that night, he thought to himself, “Selby, what HAVE you done?!” Despite that moment of doubt, he chose to continue his military career and enlisted in the regular Marine Corps. He completed advanced training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, followed by Basic School in Quantico, Virginia. Mel was honorably discharged in 1960 and remained in the Ready Reserve until 1961.
In 1963, Mel continued serving his country by accepting a position with the US Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO), where he printed maps before later becoming an illustrator. When NAVOCEANO relocated to Mississippi in 1975, Mel chose to remain in Maryland and accepted a position with the Defense Mapping Agency as a Visual Information Specialist. In 1982, he transferred to Air Force Systems Command at Andrews Air Force Base, where he prepared military briefings. When the command moved its operations to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio in 1991, Mel delayed his retirement for one year to help oversee the transfer of equipment. On his final day in 1992, he locked the door behind him as the very last employee to leave Air Force Systems Command at Andrews – a fitting and memorable end to a distinguished career.
During retirement, Mel enjoyed a short stint at Beretta USA, where he chromed barrels for 9mm and .40 caliber Model 92FS handguns. He also worked alongside his son, Kevin, at Image Express, silk-screening T-shirts.
A wonderfully gifted artist, Mel loved painting, woodworking, drawing, decoy carving, and just about anything that allowed him to express his creativity. When grandchildren came along, he found immense joy in sharing those talents, patiently teaching the next generation his many crafts and skills. He was the ultimate “PopPop,” and was blessed with endless patience and a heart devoted to his family.
Mel cherished every moment with his beloved wife, Judy (Ward), his children, Kevin and Susan, and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He was a true patriot who loved his country and the Lord. He enjoyed good food, spending time outdoors, and never missed an opportunity to gather with family and friends, where he often would strike up a conversation – especially if it involved how you arrived at a destination. Maps were life!
In the early morning hours of July 12, 2026, with his wife and daughter by his side, Mel walked into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Helen, and by his siblings: Thomas Leonard Selby, Melvina Agnes Marrow, Margaret Helen DePaul, Melvin Jesse “Little Brother” Selby, Edith Theresa Semerdjian, Milford Leonard Selby, and Patrick James Selby.
He is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his son, Kevin (Jamie); his daughter, Susan; his grandchildren, Kori (Brandon), Kendyl (Andrew), Drew, Joseph (Kristi), Jeffrey (Dawn), and Kyle (Tara); his great-granddaughter, Evelyn; and many much-loved nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mel’s life on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Brinsfield Funeral Home, 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622, with immediate family from 4-5 pm, and all others from 5-7 pm.
A graveside service for immediate family will be held on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 11:00 am at Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.
In lieu of flowers, Mel would have loved to see support for Tunnel to Towers, The Fisher House, or Hospice of the Chesapeake – organizations that reflected causes close to Mel’s heart.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.
Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home & Crematory, P.A., Charlotte Hall, MD.
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