Melvin K. Longley, 81, of Ocoee, departed this life peacefully on October 8, 2025, at his residence.

He was born on November 5, 1943, in Ocoee, Tenn., to the late Fred Longley, Sr. and Amy Arthur Longley.

A lifelong resident of Polk County, Melvin retired from Johns Manville in Etowah, TN., and was also a poultry farmer for nearly four decades.  He was also a long-time board member of the Polk County Farm Bureau.

He had a quiet manner about him that was paired with honesty and hard work ethics.  The feeling of emptiness we have can't and will never be filled.

In addition to his parents, Fred Longley, Sr. and Amy Arthur Longley, he was preceded in death by his brother, Fred Longley, Jr.

Left to cherish the many memories include his devoted wife of 55 years, Hilda Scott Longley; children, Kenny (Denise) Longley, and Amy (Chris) Burris; four grandchildren, whom he adored, Hannah Longley, Grace (Ashton) Davis, Avery Burris, and Sila Burris; brother, Henry (Linda) Longley of Cleveland, TN., and John Longley (Onecia, deceased) of Ocoee, TN.; sisters, Beulah Grisham of Georgetown, TN., Linda (Julius) Beaty of McDonald, TN.; sister-in-law, Faye Longley; farming buddy, Don Raines.  Many nieces, nephews, and a host of friends also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home, with Dan Wilson and Kenny Longley officiating. Interment will follow at Cookson Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with Chris Burris, Avery Burris, Silas Burris, Jeff Clabough, Tyler Longley, and Kenny Longley will serve as pallbearers

His family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFunerals.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.