George M Williams

Stuart - Pioneering transplant surgeon and first president of UNOS, father of four and grandfather "Yampa" to many, G. Melville Williams died August 26, 2020 from complications of Covid-19. Mell was born in 1930 in Soochow China, the son of Melville Owen Williams and Annie Lee Williams. They lived along with his younger sister Ann (Craig) on the campus of Soochow University, where his father was a professor of sociology and religion. The family left China as WWII broke out when Mell was 10 and eventually settled in Leonia, New Jersey, where Mell worked summers for the City of Hackensack and went on to attend Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio.

Mell met fellow student Elizabeth Lee Logan at Oberlin, they fell in love and married in 1955 and went on to have four children, Curtiss Williams (Lawrie), Steve Williams (Annette), Lucy Hand (Ben) and Liddy Garcia Bunuel (Martin). Mell attended Harvard Medical School and went to Mass General Hospital for his Internship and Residency from 1957-1963. After brief stints in Iran as an Army Captain and physician and Australia where he researched immunology at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, Australia, he joined the faculty of the Medical College of Virginia in 1965. There he collaborated with a gifted team of transplant surgeons, led by David Hume pioneering early discoveries in transplantation.

Mell accepted a position with Johns Hopkins Hospital and University School of Medicine in 1969 as Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Transplantation and Vascular Surgery until 1995, when he retired from transplantation to lead vascular surgery until 2000. He retired from active surgery in 2010 after thirty-seven years.

Mell has been President of the Halsted Society, United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS), the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and was President and one of the founding members of The Southern Association of Vascular Surgery (SAVS). While his research interests included endothelial biology in transplanted organs and aortas; reperfusion injury, antibodies and rejection, his deepest commitments were to the care and wellbeing of his patients. This was core to who he was. He often visited patients Sunday night to prepare them for early Monday morning surgery and his sensitivity was evident in the difficult conversations around organ donation. He was a truly integrated surgeon who considered among his most important accomplishments to be the mentorship of aspiring, young surgeons.

Mell married Linda Parsons in April of 1996 and added two stepdaughters, Kristin Parsons and Amy (Bob) Mann. Together Mell and Linda ushered in a new chapter in his life as Yampa, or Grandfather. Mell and Linda created Camp Yampa Yamma hosting all 12 of their grandchildren for a week every summer for 10 years. Swimming, boating, adventures to Dobbins Island, all-inclusive theater performances, room inspections, and awards night created a unique experience which was not only a gift for grandchildren, but also the break provided their children with precious restorative time. (Madison Williams, Lexi Williams- Curtiss/Lawrie Williams), (Rowan Williams - Steve/Annette Williams), (Grace Hand, Logan Hand -Lucy/Ben Hand) (Justin Garcia-Bunuel, Jake Garcia Bunuel Liddy/Martin Garcia Bunuel) (Tyler Parsons, Sydney Parsons, Riley Parsons - Kristin Parsons), (Hannah Brown, Abby Brown -Amy/Bob Mann).

Mell had a special interest in his birthplace China and made important relationships with the medical community as they collaborated to advance medicine in both countries. He and Linda retired to Stuart, Florida where, as Spirit would have it, Mell himself became the recipient of a George

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by TC Palm from Aug. 31 to Sep. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for George Williams

Sponsored by Martin Funeral Home - Stuart Chapel.

8 Entries

Robin J Lewis

August 26, 2024

God's grace, mercy, peace, comfort, and compassion be with the precious loved ones of Dr. George "Mel" Williams. It is hard to believe this dear man has been in the Heavenly Kingdom for 4 years. I have wonderful memories of working with him at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. I think of him often. He enriched my life and the lives of so many people over his years of practice. Rest well my friend. I think of you when I see the quote, "Gone but not forgotten. Love, Robin Lewis

JoAnne Smith

September 12, 2020

I have been blessed to be a close friend of Mel’s wife Linda. We have been friends since high school. Linda and Mel had a wonderful marriage and were so very happy together. I’m hoping those memories sustain her and will always bring her comfort. Linda you have another angel in heaven sending you love each dawn thru sunset. Just like your good friends here on Earth.

Kate Brookins

Planted Trees

Mary Fields Elliott

September 6, 2020

I remember Mel from nearly 40 years ago. He married my friend, Glo, and we celebrated many wonderful weekends together. Many wonderful events together. He was always fun, lively, and was interesting. He was a wonderful friend to all of us. He dedicated his life to his work and loved what he did.

Rita Webb

September 5, 2020

George was inspiration to all of JHH. He was loving and caring person to his colleagues and patients. I’m glad I had to the opportunity to know him and work aside him both as a GOR nurse and in the SICU for almost 40 years. Rest In Peace George you have labored hard both physically and emotionally. You will truly be missed. My prayers good out to the family.

Robin Lewis

September 4, 2020

My sincere condolences to the family of the most compassionate, empathetic and thoughtful doctor I have ever met. I worked with Dr. Williams on the transplant unit from 1980 to 2001 as an RN. He was a bright light to all who knew him. Grace, peace, and mercy to the Williams family. I feel honored and privileged to have worked with such a gracious gentlemen. The world was certainly a better place because of Dr. George Melville Williams. Thank you Dr. Williams for setting a stellar example to medical staff. Love. Robin Lewis

Terry Phelps

September 4, 2020

I am a retired nurse from Hopkins and first met Dr. Williams when I worked on the transplant floor. Many good memories, in fact those years became my favorite chapter during my 42 years in nursing. I remember Mel treating all of the nurses to food and drinks in Fells Point quite often. The patients loved him and the whole team shared a special bond. Years later I transferred to the OR and had the pleasure to share in his transplant surgeries. I can still see and hear his “rain dance” to help the patient pee!!
He was a very special person and will be truly missed.

Stan Minken

September 1, 2020

A great surgeon and friend who was never too busy to help others. He led by example and many today stand on his shoulders. His contributions to transplant and vascular surgery continue to better the lives of many patients. Sleep well Mel.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results