James Robert Mell

Major James Robert Mell, World War II Veteran, died Saturday, January 20, 2018 at the age of 94. He was the pilot of a B-25 aircraft, based in Corsica during the war and was awarded the Air Medal and the distinguished Flying Cross.
Born in Rock Hill, South Carolina, on October 26, 1923, he was the son of Robert and Frances Mell. After the war, he married his “beloved Jane” Kreiling and they were wed for 62 years. After his military career, he was a sales manager for the Potash Company of America. He played in the “Atlanta 17” Big Band for 33 years and sang in church choirs for over 50 years.
Known as Bob to his family and friends, he left us all a legacy of his love for God, others, and his joy of life. He is survived by his daughters: Shirley Mell of Atlanta, Georgia, and Betty and her husband, Tim Stalker, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; brothers: George Mell of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania; John Mell and his wife, Karan, of Toccoa, Georgia; grandchildren: Cherie and her husband, Rob Atkinson, of Raleigh, North Carolina; Tamie and her huband, Andrew Mayo of Raleigh, North Carolina; Amanda and her husband, Dan Cambre, of Austin, Texas; great-grandchildren: Austin DuBose of Wilmington, North Carolina; Jocelyn DuBose, Timothy DuBose, Cody Atkinson, and Sierra Atkinson, all of Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bob will be laid to rest at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia. A “Celebration of Life” memorial service will be held Saturday, February 3, at 11:00 AM at Embry Hills United Methodist Church. Friends and family are welcome! In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Embry Hills United Methodist Church, located at 3304 Henderson Mill Road, Atlanta, Georgia, 30341.