Melvin Dale Williford was born August 19, 1916 in Hornersville, Missouri to Vallie (Biffle) and Fred Williford, one of four children. The family moved to Arvin in 1925. Melvin graduated from Kern High School with the Class of 1934 and went on to attend Bakersfield College. He worked for the railroad and Belridge Oil before entering the US Army where he served in the Medical Corp as a medic during World War II. He was discharged in Texas where he met his future wife Roberta; they were married in 1944 and moved back to Arvin to make their home. Melvin worked as a truck driver for the Shell Distributor then he took over the business as MD Williford Shell Distributor. He also worked for Schwebel Petroleum before retiring in 1984. Melvin was a member of the Arvin Lions Club and Arvin VFW. Melvin was athletic and played baseball during high school and into adulthood with the County League. He was an avid baseball fan attending all the high school games, the Cal State Girls Softball games, or anywhere the best game was being played. Melvin was preceded in death by his wife, Roberta in 1984 and his sister, Ruth and brother, Ira. Melvin is survived by his son, Robert Williford and wife Janet of Bakersfield; daughter, Joan and husband Curtis Moran of Susanville; brother, John Williford and wife Mary Ellen of Fresno; grandson, Justin Williford and wife Marisol and great granddaughter, Makaia. A graveside service will be held Monday, December 27 at 1pm at South Kern Cemetery, Arvin for Melvin Dale Williford, age 94, who passed away December 20, 2010 in Bakersfield. Kern County Associated Veterans will provide Military Honors and interment will follow. Visitation will be held Monday, December 27 from 9am to noon at Arvin Funeral Home.