John Thomas Mell, 65, of Oak Knoll Terrace in Anderson, SC, quietly passed from this life while in the presence of his loving family on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte. Born September 23, 1950 in Toledo, Ohio, John was the son of the late Delores Mae Rose Mell and Thomas John Mell. John graduated from Airport High School in Carleton, Michigan and after proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war received his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. John is survived by his loving and devoted wife Kathy; three children: daughters Blair Mell and fianc Brian Barnhouse of Ohio, Allison Mell Davis and husband Matt Davis of Michigan and son Thomas John Mell and fianc Krystal McGrew of Michigan; two stepchildren: Shanon Armstrong of the home and Jay Armstrong; two grandchildren, Emily Davis and Riley Davis; and siblings Susan Hood and husband Lloyd of Florida, Ralph Mell and wife Mary of Michigan, David Mell of Michigan, and Peter Jervild of Denmark. Early on, John worked at Ford Motor Company as an assembler. Later, after the military and his college schooling, he worked as an accountant for Rolls-Royce Corporation in Indianapolis, Indiana and with Tenneco Automotive at the corporate headquarters in Monroe, Michigan and at the Hartwell, Georgia manufacturing plant where he rose to the position of Plant Controller. His many friends at both Tenneco locations and at Rolls-Royce speak lovingly of John as a good and trustworthy friend. While at Tenneco John became involved in the Hart County Adult Literacy Program and on his own time tutored many adult employees who had reading disabilities. For his efforts the plant twice recognized John by presenting him with the Excellence in Community Service Award. The award carried a monetary prize which John then donated to the Hart County Literacy Program. John was noted by all who knew him for his capacity to listen and for his dry and endearing sense of humor. Honest without compromise, it was said that if a person were to ask John a question, they should be prepared for a sometimes painfully honest response. He was easy to talk with and thus became a sounding board for his many friends, peers and acquaintances both at work and away, a trait admired by all who knew him. He was a good friend to all. John's work ethic was legendary at the Hartwell Tenneco plant as he always and unceremoniously arrived early for work and likewise worked until after the close of business. He could consistently be found either diligently working at his computer terminal or in a meeting with his peers or subordinates relating to the business's accounting needs. John was an excellent bowler and horse shoe pitcher. He also enjoyed working in his yard and driving his Ford Mustang, but the thing that he loved most dearly was his University of Michigan Wolverines (Go Blue). His home, car and even his mail box were lovingly and meticulously adorned with reminders and souvenirs pertaining to his U of M football program. Watching Michigan football on TV could change John's normally quiet and reserved persona into a loud and raucous football fan. The family will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. A service to celebrate the life of Mr. Mell will be held on Monday, June 27, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with the Reverend Steve Silvey officiating. Interment will follow with military honors at the M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, PO Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202. A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. The McDougald Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Anderson, SC A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com. The McDougald Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Anderson, SC Events Visitation Sunday, June 26, 2016 2:00PM - 6:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343 Funeral Service Monday, June 27, 2016 2:00PM The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 North Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 Email: Gail@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com,laurel@mcdougaldfuneralhome.com Phone: (864) 224-4343