Mel, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 19 at the age of 91. Surrounded by his wife and children during his final moments, Mel leaves behind a profound legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, and an unshakable devotion to his family that defined his life.

Born on May 11, 1933, in Monticello, Mississippi, Mel was a standout athlete at Monticello High School. After earning a football scholarship to the University of Mississippi, he joined the Air Force ROTC, displaying the leadership that were hallmarks of his character.

Following his time at Ole Miss, Mel enlisted in the United States Air Force at the height of the Cold War. He served with honor and distinction and for his service in Vietnam, was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Distinguished Unit Citation (now called the Presidential Unit Citation) and the Air Medal with 7 Clusters.

After leaving the Air Force, Mel embarked on a 24-year career with the Federal Aviation Administration at the Memphis Air Traffic Control Center. His strong work ethic and dedication to aviation safety and his ability to remain calm under pressure made him an invaluable controller. Mel earned respect and admiration and retired in 1994 as a supervisor.

Mel was a charter member of Getwell Road Church in Southaven, Mississippi, where he served on numerous committees and taught Sunday School for over 20 years.

Above all, Mel was a devoted family man. He is survived by his cherished wife, Geri. Together they spent over 65 years building a rich life. He is also survived by his children, daughters Carey Weissbeck (Scott), Leslie Lenser (Kurt), Stacey Willis (Greg) and son Chris (Celeste) and his 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Mel never missed an opportunity to support them – whether in sports, school plays, dance recitals, graduations, or enjoying birthdays and holidays.

Mel also leaves behind a brother Jack (Lyllis Ann) Wilson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill and Margi Ritter and Ed and Kathy Kane; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.P. and Blanche Wilson, his brothers Albert (Buddy) Wilson, Eugene Wilson, Glenn Wilson, and his sister Marjorie Spitzberg.

A celebration of Mel's life will be held Tuesday, March 25, at Getwell Road Church, 7875 Getwell Road, Southaven, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the service. A private burial will then take place.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Getwell Road or the charity of your choice. And in keeping with Mel's sense of humor and loyalty to Ole Miss, any State fans can direct their gifts to the University of Mississippi NIL fund in his honor.