Mr. Thomas Mellinger passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, 3:00 pm at Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel 909 East Market Street at Perry J. Brown Funeral Home Greensboro, North Carolina. Visitation 2:30 pm.

Thomas Robert Mellinger was born on April 21, 1960, in Los Angeles, California, to Robert Mellinger and Marjory Helen Deebel-Mellinger. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his brother, Andrew Mellinger.

Thomas graduated from high school in California and went on to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering. His talent, curiosity, and dedication to his work took him across the globe, where he made meaningful contributions to his field and lasting connections along the way.

While in Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas met Edna Garnett, the love of his life. It was his sharp wit, clever humor, and ability to make everyone laugh that first captured her heart. The two shared a deep love for life, laughter, and adventure. In 2000, they were married in a hot air balloon—floating high above the world as they began their journey together.

In 2010, they welcomed twin sons, Ethan and Robert, in Greensboro, North Carolina. Thomas adored being a father. He poured his heart into raising his boys and was endlessly proud of the young men they were becoming. A devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend, Thomas’s greatest joy was his family.

Affectionately known as “Tom,” he was not only kind and generous, but also full of fun, adventure, and lighthearted mischief. His humor lit up every room he entered, and his presence brought joy and warmth to everyone around him. He deeply valued time spent with his family and maintained close relationships with his nieces and nephews, who adored their “Uncle Tom” for always staying connected and making them laugh. He also shared meaningful friendships with Jose, Sabina, and Abel, who remained dear to him through the years.

Tom embraced the culture and traditions of his wife’s Liberian roots and cherished time spent with his in-laws and extended family. Whether he was enjoying a family gathering, sharing a good joke, or offering his help without hesitation, Thomas lived his life with an open heart and a generous spirit.

Thomas leaves behind his loving wife, Edna Mellinger; his treasured sons, Ethan and Robert Mellinger; his sisters, Judy and Jan; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and lifelong friends across the United States and abroad.

His life was a blessing, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

“What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
— Helen Keller

May his soul rest in eternal peace.