Russell Dorn Mellette

Russell Dorn Mellette, 88, of Lexington, South Carolina, widower of Grace Alford Mellette, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026. Born June 15, 1938, he was the son of Rev. Miller H. Mellette and Bessie McNeil Mellette of Turbeville, South Carolina.

A graduate of East Clarendon High School, Russ went on to earn his degree from the University of South Carolina School of Journalism, where he was a member of the Euphradian Society and Sigma Delta Chi. His life reflected a steady devotion to clear communication, thoughtful leadership, and service carried out with quiet purpose.

In 1970, President Nixon appointed him Executive Director of the South Carolina Education Advisory Committee, which helped achieve the peaceful total integration of public schools. Russ also served as Director of The State Newspaper PeeDee Bureau, worked in public relations for Carolina Power & Light Company, and served as a lobbyist for the Municipal Association of South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. He founded Russell D. Mellette & Associates, a government affairs and public relations firm, and gave generously of his time as a pro bono lobbyist for the South Carolina Organ Procurement Agency and mental health issues. He served on the advisory board of the first South Carolina Organ Procurement Agency, and his byline appeared in many Carolina newspapers, as well as business and government publications. He also served on the select Saleeby committee for insurance reform and was a delegate to The White House Conference on Small Business. In addition, he served on the Board of Directors of Harborside Horizontal Property Regime. Russ also won the national William Randolph Hearst news writing contest.

Russ’ commitment to community extended across civic and professional life. He was a life member of the South Carolina Agriculture & Mechanical Society (State Fair) and participated in the Lexington and South Carolina Chambers of Commerce, as well as the National Federation of Independent Business. He was a founding and charter member of the Summit and Capital City Clubs, and a former member of The Palmetto Club.

Faith and service were central to Russ’ life. At St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, he served as a licensed lay reader, a member of the Vestry, and in the choir, offering his time and gifts with constancy and reverence.

Russ is survived by a daughter, Tamara M. Edens (John) of Blythewood; and stepsons, Steve Alford (Donna) of Lexington and Charlie Alford (Denise) of Chapin. He was predeceased by his son, Russell D. Mellette, Jr.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072, on September 24, 2026, at 4:00 pm, with visitation to follow at the church.

Memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 403 Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072, or to Turbeville Children’s Home, 5232 W Turbeville Hwy, Turbeville, SC 29162.