James Anthony Mell

James Anthony "Tony" Mell departed this life in the presence of his children and family on Friday, March 28, 2025. He is preceded in death by his mother, Martha Lynn (Akins) Wilson, Grandmother Willie Jones (Akins) Mell, brothers, Charlie, Robert, and David Akins. He is survived by his brothers: James and Dennis "P-Nut" Wilson, Andrew Akins, and sister Hilda "Sis" Ausmus(Doyle); and his children: Stephanie Mell Vasquez, Jessica Moir(John), Jennifer Whittington(Dakota), Ashley Kinsey, James Mell Jr, and David Ryan Mell(Meghan), and his beloved dog Smeagol. Tony proudly served in the Virginia Army National Guard then transferred to Active Duty Army for 8 years, in which he served in Desert Sheild and Desert Storm eventually separating with Honors at the rank of Sergeant in 1997. After his time with the Army, he went on to get his bachelor's in business administration from Lee University. Tony was a proud father of 6 and Papaw to 14, whom he loved dearly as well as his nieces and nephews. He will be missed.