He attended Fortier High School, and then LSU. In January, 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy in World War II. After the end of the war, he returned to LSU and graduated in petroleum engineering in 1949. He joined Halliburton, then F.A. Callery and later Pel-Tex Oil Company, as Vice President in charge of drilling and production for 25 years. He was involved in the drilling in excess of 300 wells during that period. He was known for his integrity and skills in the oil field.
He married Virginia Watson Melville in 1962, and they had 56 wonderful years together, raising three children. He is survived by these children, Lea Melville, Jenifer McIntyre and Mark Melville. Grandchildren, Sean and Maggie McIntyre, and Madalyn Melville. Also, son Harold Melville III, wife Wendy, grandchildren, Erica, Brandon and Kyle, and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Edith Melville.
Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, September 4, 2018 at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home with a reception immediately following. Donations may be made in Harold’s memory to St. Jude Hospital.
