"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalms 27:1

Melton Michael Harry was born on January 12, 1942, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. His parents were the late W. L. Harry and Creasie Mae Harry. Melton was a devoted and loving father of five children: Leslie Susan Pittman, Melton Michael Harry, Jr., Kyle Jamar Harry, Sr., Ryan Todd Harry, Sr., and Chad Achilles Harry.

At an early age, Melton united with Bethlehem Baptist Church and later became a member of Sweet Beulah Baptist Church. He graduated from Central Memorial High School in 1961. In 1965, Melton graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge with a degree in Physical Education and Social Studies. He received his Master's Degree from Southeastern Louisiana University in Administration and Supervision with a minor in History in 1975. In 1986, he received a Master's Degree plus 30 from Southeastern Louisiana University.

Melton began his teaching career in 1967 at Chahta-Ina High School in Lacombe, Louisiana. He taught Physical Education and was head basketball coach and assistant football coach. He returned home to teach at Bogalusa High School in 1968 until his retirement in April, 2000. At BHS, he taught physical education and American Civics. Melton was an assistant football coach, head track coach, Athletic Director, and assistant principal at Bogalusa High School.

Melton, affectionately known as "Coach Harry", loved the life of athletics. He played football at both Central Memorial High School and Southern University. He had a gentle and warm personality. All of his students and co-workers adored him. Coach Harry always took an interest in his students and encouraged them to be successful. He taught swimming lessons many summers at the YMCA on Avenue B. He also worked at the YMCA and served as a life guard. He was an avid tennis player and instructor for many years. Melton served as a summer recreation coach and worked with youths in Bogalusa. Melton was definitely a people's person with a zest for life.

Melton Michael "Coach Harry" Harry, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, entered "Our Father's House of Many Mansions" on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Canon Hospice in New Orleans, Louisiana. He was 71. Melton was a native and lifelong resident of Bogalusa, Louisiana.

He is survived by one daughter, Leslie (Denson) Pittman; four sons, Melton Michael Harry, Jr., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kyle Jamar Harry, Sr., Ryan Todd Harry, Sr., and Chad Achilles Harry, all of Bogalusa, Louisiana; two brothers, James Ray (Jonell) Harry and Willie Lee Harry, both of Bogalusa, Louisiana; one sister, Debra Smith of Bogalusa, Louisiana; fourteen grandchildren, Stanley Wilks, Jr., Kayla Pittman, Denson Pittman, Jr., Kyle Harry, Jr., Tyler Harry, Caitlyn Harry, Taylor Harry, Whitney Harry, Ryan Harry II, Aijha Harry, Javar Strong, Arian Strong, Eden Gaudeaux, and Montrel Harry. Melton is also survived by one great granddaughter, McKenzie Harry, a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Coach Harry was preceded in death by his parents, W. L. Harry and Creasie Mae Harry; his brother, W. J. Harry, and his sister, Hanah Harry.
Visitation will be Thursday, March 14 from 2-6 Family Hour 7-8p.m. Funeral Service Friday,March 15 at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church 1 p.m. Rev. Dr. Raymond E.Mims, Officiating. Interment Ford's Chapel.