Mellie Columbus Clanton

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Celebrating the life of
Mellie Columbus ClantonJanuary 07, 1920 - December 25, 2013

Mellie Columbus Clanton
Mellie Columbus Clanton, 93, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013. He was born January 7, 1920 to the late William Perry and Tucy Lee Clanton. He first came to Savannah after leaving Pembroke, GA. Mellie worked for Gerogia Ice Co. in 1934, then at Mente Bag Co. from 1934 to 1941. He joined the National Guard when he was age 17. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving from 1941 until 1947. During his service in the Navy he was stationed aboard three ships and with duty in the South Pacific. When WW II started, he was in a Naval training school in Norfolk, VA, where he received most of his training. The morning Pearl Harbor was attacked, he was assigned to his first ship, the USS Relief AH1 in Norfolk, for 2 years, then assigned to the USS Hector AR7 for 2 years, then USS Saint Crox APA 231 for 2 years. When his service was over, he returned back to Treasure Island in San Francisco where he was released to return home. While in the Navy, he was able to achieve his ambition of learning about electricity. While stationed at Saint Crox, he had the job to load a ship for joint Task Force One atomic bomb testing, a ship for assimilated atomic explosion. Mellie was an EM1/c and participated in "Operations Crossroads", ordered by Joint Chief of Staff to test the effects of the atomic bomb on naval vessels. He always had a lot of pride being selected to be a part of this assignment. After the Saint Crox returned to port, Mellie went went under the wings of the Spruce Goose in a liberty motor launch small craft used from ship to shore going ashore on Liberty 24 hour pass.
After finishing school and going aboard his first ship, USS Relief, he requested for duty in the Electric Department. Mellie received the ratings of AS Apprentice Seamen; S2/c Seaman 2nd Class; after transferring to the electrical department his rating was changed to Fireman instead of Seaman. He was required to pass an examination before being promoted to Petty Officer EM3/c, EM2/c and EM1/c EM1/c meaning Electrician Mate First Class.
He went to work for Savannah Electric and Power Company in Savannah, GA on July 7, 1947, which was one day before official discharge from the Navy. He remained with the company for over 40 years.
We are very proud of our father. We are thankful to him for sharing these facts and stories of his past with us, which meant so much to him. The best part though, are our memories growing up. Our dad was always very patient and what we remember the most what stands out the most is that he never complained and he never said "I told you so".
He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Faye Suddeth Clanton.
Surviving are his three daughters, Mary Ruth Clanton Harris, of Savannah, Melissa C. Bonner Donald, of Savannah, and Faye Charmayne Love, of Savannah. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Sarah Langham Bo, Casie Edblad Micheal, Laurel Bonner, Alison Bonner, Rachel Love, Mitchell Love, and Michael Love, one great-grandchild, Weston Michael Edblad, and one sister, Bessie Bazemore, of Pembroke, and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Fox and Week Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel, with Bro. Billy Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
Burial will be in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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Hello girls, You may or may not remember me. I worked with Mellie for several years in the Appliance Department. He was a lot of fun to work with and he taught me a lot about appliances and life itself. I always was glad in the mornings when I found out that I was working with Mellie. I only found out yesterday of his passing. I am so sorry for you girls, he talked about all of you every day, he loved you girls more than anything else. Love, Monty Miller

- Monty Miller, Sebastian, FL

Mellie was a great family friend. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

- Fred & Nancy Brown, Birmingham, AL

My deepest sympathy to the Clanton family for the death of your dear loved one. Death was not a part of God's original purpose. Therefore, may you draw comfort from the promise at John 5: 28 & 29, 'the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.'

- Annie Thomas, Snellville, GA

Hey Daddy. We miss you. It's good we were all together Christmas. I know you would love that. Just want you to know - You did good. You were a good father and provider. I'm proud of you. I love you.

- Mary R., Savannah, GA

Mary, We are so sorry to hear about your Father. If there is anything we can do or you need, please let us know. You and your family are in our prayers. Anita

- Anita and Ashley Hillis, Savannah, GA

Dear Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have met your Dad. You certainly have a lot to be proud of. I will keep your family in my prayers. Love,Jeanette

- Jeanette Viscomi, Williamstown, NJ

Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your father. I have many childhood memories of talking with him! May you find peace in the comfort of the lord!

- Butch Lamb, Savannah, GA

I am sorry I could not be there for our Uncle Mellie. Just want you all to know that I will miss him a lot. Love to you all

- Benny Wadsworth, Sycamore, GA

So many great memories of Uncle Mellie. He was a great part of my childhood and will always remember those great Sunday dinners at mamas. He was loved greatly and will be missed so much.

- Kay Hughes, PeSmbroke, GA