Melvin Hudson Mel Boyd, Jr. was 57 when he died on October 26, 2015, in Walstonburg, North Carolina. His death was described as a hunting accident. There were no arrests, suspects, or homicide-related investigations connected to his passing.

A barber by trade and an active member of Greenville Church of God, Mel taught Sunday school, ushered, and supported his pastor and congregants. He was remembered as a mentor to young people and a dedicated family man. His funeral was held at Wilkerson Funeral Chapel, with services led by Rev. Daylon Mooneyham and Rev. Brandon Jones. He was preceded in death by his son Hudson Collin Boyd and is survived by his parents Melvin H. and Doris Tetterton Boyd, sister Terry Boyd Lancaster, and brother Danny Robert Boyd.