Mel,
It seems like yesterday we were walking the course at the BellSouth Classic having a great time. You and Joan will always be in our hearts.

On behalf of our entire family, we send our love and support to the Rummel family. From childhood days, my brother Rick Carter sister Nancy Thomas along with our mom Julia Sponsler, admired the Rummels for their commitment to family values. We will miss Mel Jr., as he personified those values, but never forget his character, humor, and love for his extended family.
God Bless, and know we are thinking of you.
Jim, Rick & Nancy

Robin I am so sorry to hear about Mel. I have always admired how close your family is and how much you all live life to the fullest. I know how difficult this time is but you have a wonderful family and strong faith  to get you through.  My prayers are with you. 

We were so saddened to hear about the passing of Mel.  We will miss visiting and sharing good times with Mel at the Berry Family reunion.  We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.   We look forward to seeing you in the not too distant future.  We love you.
Tom and Dot Berry

I remember Mel first as the sweet baby in a carriage I "helped" Aunt Jule push to the grocery in Hasbrouk Hts.  while Uncle Mel flew over,  tipping his wing to us along the way....and during a Rummel vacation at the Jersey Shore (Ortley Beach?), trekking between the cluster of summer bungalows so little toes could squish the sea and sand... and in the early '60s in Sandy Springs, joining the family on the bleachers for mini football games to cheer Mel and Ray running around the field, coming off red faced and sweaty after giving it their all....and the kind young man who years later, along with his mom, took his yankee cousin on a tour of Atlanta during a return visit. Hang onto the memories. Love to all.  

I was so sad to hear about Mel. I knew Mel years ago in the Marist days.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. 

There isn’t enough space in this square to list all my memories of Mel.  He was my first boyfriend.
I remember cheering him on the sidelines at the football games.  He was the quarterback- I was a cheerleader.
I remember my first military ball at Marist.
I remember going to Destin Florida all those years with his family.
I remember his brothers and sister and his wonderful mom - Julie and big Mel his dad with fond memories.  They certainly broke the mold when he was born.  He was the light of my life.



So sad to see Mel's passing. What a great guy. We were glad to see you are having a celebration of life because that is what I remember about Mel. How much fun our families had in Japan and how much he embraced the culture and enjoyed life.
Our heartfelt condolences and sincere gratitude for the opportunity having him, Joan and Lauren in our lives. 
Tom, Beverly, Ashleigh and Allison. 

Very sad to hear of the passing of Mel.  Fond memories of Mel, his younger brother, Ray, and his Dad who I had a lot of respect for.   Graduated from Marist with Mel.  Smart, good looking, and the QB of our state championship team.   Our prayers will be with Mel’s family. 

Pat Flanagan ‘71



Had the rare fortune to grow-up with Mel and all the Rummels in the early fun-filled days of Dunwoody.  Mel was the coolest of the cool, All American athlete, straight A student, incredibly handsome and the best friend to have on your side.  It's so said to witness his passing at such an early age but let me ask you - how long does a man live? does he live only so long as we can touch him?  Or does he live, truly live, as long as he can touch us?  Rest in peace my friend Cool never dies...

I am sad that Mel has passed. You have my prayers and love. Joan, if you need to talk just call anytime.  I have great memories of how we would party in our young days!!
Blessings and Love,
Sue Garcia

I so sorry to hear about Mel.   He was such a kind person.   He was a great Mr. Mom in Tokyo.  We loved spending time with him, Lauren and Joan.   It was great having Atlanta neighbors so far from home.   
Love RuthAnne, Brooks, Annie and a Michelle 



Memorial Services Celebrating the Life

Mel is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Joan Berry Rummel, daughter Lauren Rummel Davis, her husband Michael Chase Davis, and granddaughter Nora Gray Davis, of Scottsdale, AZ, along with his mother, Julia B. Rummel, brother Raymond G. Rummel (Kay) of Blairsville, GA, sister Robin R. Preuit (Rick) of Muscle Shoals, AL, and brothers Jeffrey M. Rummel (Laurie) and Michael J. Rummel (Mitzi) of Atlanta, GA, and many nieces and nephews. His father, Melville Strong Rummel, Sr., preceded him in death in 2007.

OBITUARY

Melville "Mel" Strong Rummel Jr.

February 2, 1953 – January 14, 2020

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services