William Stanley Mellish Jr
The spirit of William Stanley Mellish Jr danced and sang his way into the next life on October 14th, 2021. Bill carried within him an ageless inner child that could bring whimsy and laughter to even the most mundane and sour moments. His exuberance in the social spotlight was coupled with a quiet, measured thoughtfulness. In the peace of individual conversation, it was always Bill’s pleasure to offer wisdom and support to those with any kind of problem. And if the problem required a more hands-on approach, Bill would eagerly share his knowledge of simple mechanics and carpentry to ensure the task was accomplished properly—and cheaply! Bill loved music, nature, and was a prominent member of First Congregational Church for decades.
Bill was still madly in love with his wife of 42 years, Mary Lou. He would happily confide in others that he was never sure how he was able to charm such a beautiful, intelligent, and “awesome” woman. He was outspokenly proud of his two children, James and Merissa, often to their embarrassment in their teenage years. He was grateful for the time he spent with his granddaughter, Delilah, whose tiny applause would always follow Bill’s singing and guitar playing. Honor Bill’s memory by being your authentic, shameless self and bringing your own inner light to the lives of those you encounter.
Services: A celebration of life service will be held at First Congregational Church of St Louis, 6501 Wydown Blvd., Clayton MO on Saturday, November 6th at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception on the garth.
Vaccination and masks required. Hawaiian print and bright clothing encouraged. The service will also be live-streamed at : www.firstcongregational.org (on home page) or www.facebook.com/FirstCongregationalUCC
Memorials appreciated to the following: PotBangerz PO Box 16862, St Louis MO 63105 or First Congregational Church of St Louis
I’m so glad you had this video attached. Signing and smiling is how I will always remember Uncle Bill!
What a beautiful tribute to husband, father and grandfather as well as amazing brother-in-law and uncle. Our family will always miss this beautiful and loving soul. Bill brought love and happiness wherever he went. My heart breaks for you my dear sister Lou along with James and Merissa. Matt 4:9 Blessed are the peace makers as they will be called sons of God. I miss you Billy. XOXO. Barbara Smith
Huggity buggity to everyone…….we love you Bill! Peace to all of you
Bill was an amazing friend for so many years.. he was so full of life and fun.. that it so hard to imagine him gone.. he will continue in our hearts and the wonderful stories we will continue to share… our love and thoughts are with ML, Merissa, James and Delilah.
Bill was so special. He and Mary Lou gave David and me one of the best days of our lives, when this very blond man and beautiful dark haired woman knocked on the door and told us they had bought the house next door. We had so much fun and created so many wonderful memories. It is so hard knowing that his happy spirit is no longer on this earth.
Love to ML, Merissa, James & Delilah.
The world was a better place with his light shining in it. His happiness and optimism, his talents and enthusiasm for life were so unique. Im so sorry for your untimely loss MaryLou, Melissa and James….and little Delilah, I wish you’d had him longer.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man who brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Thank you for the video as we sang this song so many times together, I laughed, and sang through my tears. ML you were quite the catch and Bill was indeed a lucky man to have you but it was truly a match made in heaven. My heart breaks for you, ML, Merissa and James’s as well as all of those whose lives were made better by the time we spent with Bill. Sending love and virtual hugs to all of you.
I love seeing this video of Bill signing for the FCC church service- it is so Bill ! I will always have a special place in my heart for this wonderful man who made some dark days in my life so much brighter. Bill’s spirit will be with us forever and his songs and crazy side will keep us smiling. Love to all of you!
As a wonderful neighbor to me, I’ve never met a more happy, smiling, friendly person who was available always. My condolences to you, Mary Lou. Harvey Brown
Bill’s joy and spirit and his, “Hey, Ing, it’s HUGABUG time!” are enduring memories that he leaves with us, one of his parting gifts for us, even though he’s not really far away. And then that feisty giggle and irresistible energy that always came with his great ideas. It was just an honest, genuine true friend who welcomed me into his life when we were thirteen years old. Good friends, old friends, come and go and bless our lives. But that certain something about Bill left friends, loved ones and strangers feeling good. Thank you, Bill.
Bill, you shone your light on us so many times! We were blessed by your presence in the world. Love you and miss you, Elisa and Randy Wang
Every time I saw Bill I couldn’t help but smile and my spirit would be lifted. He just made you feel that way.
I knew Bill when we were both young men residing in Lafayette Square, I assisted him in purchasing a residence on Missouri Avenue, near Park Avenue approx. 1973. He was a dear friend Hank Griffith and his wife Linda , who resided next store and later owned owned Mirtha Glassworks in Soulard. Bill always displayed a positive personality , with a constant smile. His family and the entire world has lost a beautiful man much too soon
Marylou, I’m so sorry to hear about Bill. I can’t imagine the heartache of losing a spouse. You and your family are in our hearts and prayers. Love, Joan
I loved his obituary, Cousin Bill was such a bright light in the World. We recall that magic moment at the lake when a family of young otters approached our dock. First time I have ever seen them approach, must have known that Bill was a friend, Love to All who Knew Bill, Chuck
Bill you will be loved and remembered far longer than the great life you lived
I only knew of Bill from work. I gave him a hard time quite often. But Bill never pushed back. The comments here make me remember how patient he always was. That was Bill for sure.
A treasure.
Prayers.
What a beautiful tribute. Thanks for adding the video. I loved his light. Rest in Power, Bill.
Bill could fill up a room with his voice …. and his personality. We jammed several times, sharing an appreciation for the 60s tunes of our lives. Wish i could have spent more time with him… a magnetic presence.