Melvin Allen Lucas

Melvin Allen Lucas—beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, athletic director, and mayor—passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on January 1, 2026, at the age of 93.

Mel was born in LaGrange, Georgia, in 1932. He was a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama, and previously lived on Dauphin Island.

Mel is survived by his two daughters, Deborah Lucas Spear and Mrs. Dawn Herrin and her husband Mike.; five grandchildren, Lucas Spear, Zachary Spear and his wife Caroline, Sam Spear, Chase Herrin and his wife Lisa, Christopher Herrin and his wife Lexie; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife and the love of his life, Lamona Hall Lucas, who passed away in April 2024.

Melvin touched countless lives with warmth, kindness, and a wonderful sense of humor. He was very active and enjoyed serving at St. Frances of Assisi Episcopal Church on Dauphin Island. Mel and Lamona built many special relationships at this church. He enjoyed a distinguished career in collegiate athletics as a baseball coach, athletic director, and college administrator. He served as head coach of the Troy Trojans baseball team from 1961 to 1964, before being hired as the first Athletic Director at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, a position he held from 1965 to 1980.

At South Alabama, Mel initiated the university’s first baseball program and served as its inaugural head coach for four seasons. He later hired former Major League Baseball player Eddie Stanky so he could focus on his expanding responsibilities as athletic director and administrator. Under his leadership, South Alabama added programs in golf, tennis, and track and field, helped form the Sun Belt Conference, and grew into a nationally respected athletic department. He was also instrumental in launching the men’s basketball program in 1967 and oversaw both the baseball and basketball teams as they rose to national prominence. In recognition of his lasting impact, Mel Lucas was inducted into the University of South Alabama Hall of Fame in 1989.

Melvin’s most cherished accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Lamona, after meeting her in Troy, Alabama. Together, they raised their family in Mobile and on Dauphin Island. Their Dauphin Island home was especially dear to them, a place where the door was always open to family, friends, and anyone in need of belonging. Whether entertaining, fishing, or enjoying a beautiful sunset, their home was always filled with laughter.

It is comforting to imagine Mel and Lamona reunited in heaven, dancing and laughing together once again.

A memorial service will be held at St. Francis Episcopal Church on Dauphin Island on Wednesday, January 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.