Melvin Osbourne McDiarmid known as "Sadam and Junior" was born April 10, 1946 in Manchester, Jamaica to the late Austin and Millicent McDiarmid. He was the fifth child amongst eleven children of which four preceded him in death, and two brothers as well as four sisters remain. They include Geoffrey, Emrick, Norma, Pearl, Lola, and Elaine.

He attended school in Jamaica and worked as masonry contractor before traveling to the United States in 1974. Upon his arrival, he gained employment with the U.S Sugar Corporation as a common laborer. After this position ended, he began working various jobs within the construction industry around the country. Most of his time was spent in New York, however in 1997, he chose to leave the fast-paced city life and permanently stay in sunny South Florida. In his spare time, he loved to play dominoes, watch basketball, and most importantly go fishing at Jensen Beach.

He leaves behind 5 children: Racquel Swaby and Karen "Cathy" Baker both reside in Canada, while Marilyn and Melvia McDiarmid live in Florida, and Shenell McDiarmid resides in New York. Melvin is also survived by nine grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, as well as grandnieces and grandnephews, other relatives and friends.