Joel George Melville

Joel George Melville, 73, of Auburn, AL died on November 2, 2016 at Bethany House, Auburn, AL.

A memorial service was held at Founders’ Chapel, Auburn United Methodist Church on Monday, November 7, 2016.

Visitation will be held at Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 330 Broad Street, Saegertown, on Sunday, November 20 at 1 p.m. A sharing of memories by son Greg and brother Scott will occur at 1:30. The Committal Service will follow at 2 p.m. at Saegertown Cemetery.

Joel was born on February 5, 1943 in Meadville, to Kay and Donald Melville. He spent an idyllic childhood in the little village of Saegertown. He graduated from Saegertown High School in 1961. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and his Master’s degree from the University of Texas. He then returned to Penn State for his PhD. He was employed as a Professor of Engineering at the University of Iowa, the University of Florida and in 1979 began his career at Auburn University, where he remained until his retirement in 2009.

Teaching was always a priority for Joel, as evidenced by his receiving the Birdsong Merit Teaching Award in 1992, the Mortar Board Favorite Educator Award in 2001, and Outstanding Teacher in Civil Engineering four times.

Joel was an avid reader, as was his mother, and like his father was a talented athlete. He continued to participate in sports his whole life. In high school, he lettered in three sports. In college, he was a relief pitcher for Penn State. Throughout his adult life he enjoyed lunchtime basketball, golf and bicycling, his only mode of transportation to his job.

Joel was preceded in death by his parents. His survivors include his wife Judith Smith Melville, daughter Kristin Hicks and husband Danny of Auburn and son Greg Melville and wife Ellen of Birmingham; grandsons Nathan, Caleb and Wesley Hicks, Scott, Todd and Harris Melville, and brother Scott Melville and wife Julie of Auburn. He is also survived by an aunt, Grace Roberts of Tallmadge, Ohio and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Throughout Joel’s illness he received excellent care at EAMC, UAB and Bethany House. The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to: UAB Dept. of Neurology, 1720 Second Ave South, Suite 420B, Birmingham, AL, 35294-0017.