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Obituary For Thomas Robert Mellinger
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.
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceThomas and I shared conversations off and on since the late 1990s. North Carolina was NOT a source of joy. Florida? Oh, yes~!! Spread your arms, soar and fly high before you reach your final destination.
Dear Tommy - Our father once quoted this from William Wordsworth, and he might have said this to you and Andy at some point: ~ The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love. ~ I know all of us who loved you will remember yours. I will miss your voice and all your stories. Love you, bro. ~ Jan
My heart goes out to his two wonderful sons and wife. I will miss talking to Mr. Mellinger. He loved his boys with all his heart! Prayers for peace, strength and comfort for times to come! Patty Riggs Eastern Guilford Middle School
My heartfelt condolences to the Mellinger family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers🙏🏽🙏🏽
I will miss Thomas sharing many tales (including his repeating stories much later and my listening as though I was hearing them for the very first time). At his healthiest, Thomas enjoyed more alone and hobby time (enough free time to read two books at one time. He was an avid reader), including an occasional night out, possibly at Georgie's Alibi in Wilton Manors. Stress ruins a good man's life. All that aside, I am sending much love to those two Thomas referred to as "his boys." May Thomas' prayers to the Almighty G-d be answered and result in "his boys" developing into fine gentlemen. Please rest in eternal peace, Sir Thomas~!!
Sending my deepest sympathy to his family and friends and especially to his twin boys, Robert and Ethan. I will always remember happy times in Boston. Rest in peace.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
