Melford Wilson, Jr. Obit

Melford Wilson, Jr. of Rock Hill, Lake Junaluska, Mt. Pleasant, and the world, passed away at his Junaluska family home Friday night. Melford taught at Winthrop University for fifty years, building the Political Science department, starting the Winthrop Model United Nations, directing the International Center, and serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs. Melford served on Rock Hill’s City Council and Chamber of Commerce, was an active member for decades at St. John’s United Methodist Church. He also received a key to the city of Rock Hill. It was Wilson and Doug Echols who voted to create Cherry Park back in the late 70’s/early 80’s and it cost both of them reelection by those who wanted the land for a shopping mall. Melford is survived by his wife Dr. Patricia Wolman, his daughter Marion (John McMurria), his sons, Melford (Jennifer) and John (Liz), his brother Dr. John D. Wilson, his grandchildren Brooks, Luke, Lytle, Miller, Grace, Lee, and Harry; the Evans family, Maggie, Barry, Davis, and Eliza; and too many cousins, nieces, and nephews to count. He was preceded in death by his wife Janet Riggle and his parents Mel and Daisy (Holler) Wilson. A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Junaluska on November 23.