The greatest accomplishment in his life was the joy and peace he had from the love of his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Melvin passed away Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at North Oaks Medical Center in Hammond at age 77. He was an avid fisherman, a native of Ponchatoula and a longtime resident of Baptist. Melvin was a retired educator of 32 years with the Livingston and Tangipahoa Parish public school systems; owner and founder of General Accounting Services; owner of Tangi Insulation Co.; and owner of Four Corners Grocery Store in Baptist. He graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University in 1953, earned his master's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and earned 30-plus hours from LSU. Melvin was an air traffic controller with the U.S. Army and served during World War II. Melvin was in the runoff for the 13th District state Senate seat in December 1971. Melvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Doris Tate Achord of Baptist; two sons, Gary Achord and Michael Achord, both of Baptist; three daughters, Deborah Gautreaux, Hammond, Donna Achord and Kathie Holton, both of Baptist; a brother, Bill Achord of Houston; two sisters, Evelyn McMorris of Ponchatoula and Sue McCrory of Hammond; 10 grandchildren, Rachael, Alvin III, Steven, Gary Paul, Lori, Kelli, Melanie, Heather, William "BJ" and Joshua; six great-grandsons, five great-granddaughters and two stepgrandchildren, Casey and Leslie. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and three sisters. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral service from the chapel of Brandon G. Thompson Funeral Home, La. 190 West Hammond, on Sunday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home on Sunday from 10 a.m. until time of service. Dr. Tom Cobb, the Rev. Mitch Williams and the Rev. D.L. George will conduct the funeral service followed by interment in New Beulah Cemetery in Baptist.