Russell Mellette Jr.

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Clemson University Medical University of South Carolina University of Colorado

Russell Mellette Obituary

MELLETTE, JR., Russell Russell Ramsey Mellette, Jr., M.D., 77, of Mt. Pleasant, died Tuesday, February 8, 2005, at his residence. He was born December 11, 1927, in Orangeburg, S.C., a son of the late Russell Ramsey, Sr., and Lucille Gunter Mellette. He was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly McClain Mellette and a son, Jeffrey Allen Mellette. Ramsey was a veteran of the U.S. Navy having served during the Korean War, and of the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Clemson University 1944-1946, The Medical College of South Carolina 1946-1950, and University of Colorado, Graduate School 1976-1977. He was the first Board Certified Child Psychiatrist in South Carolina, and was certified by the American Board of Psychiatry as a diplomat in General Psychiatry and in Child Psychiatry. He was Past Dean, Division of Continuing Education, MUSC, 1979-1984, Professor of Pediatrics and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, MUSC, 1982-1986, Professor Emeritus of Pediatrics, Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, MUSC, 1986 to present, Associate Dean, College of Medicine, MUSC, 1982-1986, and Medical Director, South Carolina Consortium of Community Teaching Hospitals, MUSC, 1983-1986. He was Board Examiner for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology in General Psychiatry from 1979 to present and in Child Psychiatry from 1980 to present. He had earned the South Carolina Mental Health Assoc., Distinguished Service Award in 1966, Distinguished Alumni, Clemson Univ., 1986, and South Carolina Academy of Family Physicians' President's Award 1988. The good doctor was Chairman of Charleston County Dept. of Social Service Child Protective Advisory Board from 1974-1980, was an internationally recognized "expert" in Low Country folk and root medicine from 1962 to present, and Associate Teacher: Men's Sunday School Class, First Baptist Church, Charleston from 1970 to present. He is survived by his sons, Russell Ramsey Mellette, III, and Robert Steven Mellette; daughters and son-in-law, Cynthia Ann Thompson and Denise Marie and William Taylor; a sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Richard Thomas; grandchildren, Cortie, Matthew, and Nathan Thompson, and Justin Taylor. A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, Dr. Mellette's family asks that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, 5900 Core Road, Suite 504, Bank of America Bldg., North Charleston, S.C., 29406 or Hospice of Charleston, 3870 Leeds Ave., Suite 101, North Charleston, S.C., 29405. The PALMETTO CREMATION SOCIETY, CHARLESTON, is in care of arrangements. Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier on Feb. 9, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Russell Mellette

7 Entries

Anne Cisa

February 19, 2005

Dear Cindy,Denise,Bubba,Rob and Rusty,

Thank you for such a beautiful, uplifting service celebrating your father's life..the only thing missing were the dear dogs...

Your dad was a special man....no raz-ma-taz about him..wasn't out to impress anybody...but he did. HE LOVED YOU ALL VERY MUCH...no doubt about it..he also grew to love your friends which meant an awful lot to me. He was always there for me..he showed me that many times...and he always supported me in any way he could. The service was perfect in that through the notes in his Bible, he explained himself very well...nothing that we didn't already know, but it was comforting to hear. I believe he came full circle in his life...he loved your mom, all of you, and his most precious grandchildren.He was supportive of all of us...he was a true intellect.... most importantly he knew what really mattered..and it had absolutely nothing to do with the car you drove or the house you lived in (however he did really like some of my vehicles)....

I was shocked to know that the preacher whom told Dr. Mellette's story, didn't actually know him well....yet was able to summarize his life thru the notes in his Bible and remembrances of his family....what a beautiful tribute to such a special man. I will miss him not being around the corner any more..but will always remember how good he was to me and believe that I will see him again someday.

To you, his family, I hope that each new day finds you stronger and that you are comforted by all the memories that we all have of him.

Cindy, I hope to see you soon...If I can ever be of help to any of you ,please just let me know... To Cortie, Matthew, Nathan, and Justin-- always know that you had a grandad that loved each of you very much..........

Sandra Poulnot

February 13, 2005

Denise and all the family,

I was very fond of your father. We worked together on the swim team board. I would also see him around the hospital and he always took time to speak.

Libby Riddle

February 11, 2005

Denise, Bubba, Justin, Cindy, Rob, Rusty,

I have such fond memories of Ramsey during the years I knew him at MUSC. There was never a dull moment around him and I treasure having known him as a truly unique man. I was touched when he came to my wedding in 1982 and have a wonderful picture of him there. He was always kind to me and I appreciated his special brand of southern brilliance.

I wish you all comfort during this time, though I know there aren't words to help the feelings of loss of a loved one.

Libby Riddle

Beth Tyler Newburn

February 10, 2005

I grew up in Aiken, SC across the street from the Mellettes. I will always have fond memories of Mr.& Mrs. Melette, Ramsey and Lucille. My sympathy to the family, but in particular to Lucille Thomas, who was my contemporary.

Andy Marsh

February 10, 2005

Sorry to hear of Ramseys passing, he allways made me welcome on my trips to the US, he will be remembered over here in the UK and missed when I next visit Mt.Pleasant

Martha (Marty) Upshur

February 9, 2005

Cindy, Rob and Russell:

I'm so sorry that I had not seen Ramsey, your Dad, lately. He was one of my dearest and best friends for many years. I will miss him very much. The grandchildren were very blessed to have a grandfather such as he was. He was crazy about everyone of you.

Jean Muckenfuss

February 9, 2005

Thinking of you all during this time and praying for your strength for the days ahead. Will always have fond memories of the swimming days and the parents that lined the pool. I miss them all that have passed. God Bless.

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