William Ewing Mellown Jr.

Dr. William (Billy) Ewing Mellown, Jr., 87, of Prattville, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 18, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 17, 1931, he was the son of Ewing and Mildred Mellown of York, Alabama. He graduated from Sumter County High School, received his B.S. from Livingston State Teachers’ College, his Master’s degree from the University of Alabama, his AA from Columbia University, and his PhD. from the University of Alabama.

Billy worked in education for over forty years- as a teacher, a principal, and, finally, with the Alabama State Department of Education, where he retired as Deputy State Superintendent.

He was involved in his community by being an active member of the State Employees’ Insurance Board, the Alabama Retired State Employees’ Association, the Samaritan’s Council, the Autauga County Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association, and by serving on various committees at First United Methodist Church of Prattville, where he was a member for fifty-four years. He was also inducted into the Senior Citizens’ Hall of Fame.

Billy, affectionately called “Pop,” adored his family and was known far and wide for his and Jeanette’s loyal attendance at almost every football and baseball game, both home and away, from his grandsons’ childhood up until their graduation from Andalusia High School. Pop, who rarely wore anything less than a full suit, never met a stranger and simply loved people. His church and his church family were so special to him, and his love ran so very deeply for The University of Alabama.

He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-six years, Jeanette Steedley Mellown; one son, Wem (Linda) Mellown; grandsons, William (Carrie) Mellown and Matthew (Clara) Mellown; one great granddaughter, Caroline Mellown; sisters, Blanche (John) Watkins and Kathryn (David) Larkin; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 22, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. at First United Methodist Church of Prattville, followed by funeral services at 11:00 A.M. Interment will be at 2:00 P.M. at Andalusia Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dr. and Mrs. William Mellown Endowed Scholarship, National Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 861928, Tuscaloosa, AL 35486 or go online to http://alumni.ua.edu/scholarships. Donations may also be made to Prattville First United Methodist Church, 100 East Fourth St., Prattville, AL 36067.