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Melford Wilson Obituary
November 30, 1939 - November 1, 2024
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina - Melford A. Wilson, Jr., formerly of Rock Hill, passed away at his Lake Junaluska home Friday. Born in Colombia, SC, Melford grew up in Washington, DC, and graduated from Daniels High School in Clemson. He graduated from Wofford College and earned his Ph.D. in International Relations from American University.
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. He received multiple Fulbright grants, traveling and teaching most extensively in China and ultimately receiving the key to the city of Shanghai. He wrote about these experiences in his book Here Comes China: One American's Experiences in the People's Republic, 1979-2018. Melford served on Rock Hill's City Council and Chamber of Commerce in the 1980s.
Melford is survived by his wife Dr. Patricia Wolman, his children Marion (John McMurria), 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 many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Janet Riggle.
A celebration of his life will be held at Lake Junaluska on November 23. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Melford A. Wilson, Jr. International Endowment Scholarship at Winthrop University to fund students studying abroad.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Melford Wilson
Sponsored by The Charlotte Observer.
Howard Federspiel
July 2, 2025
Melford had real class. He had wit, charm, and poise. I was his colleague for ten years at Winthrop University, where, with Bill Blough, Angela Roddey Holder, and Mary Jean Bird, we established a Political Science Department together. He was a natural leader, and all his colleagues owe him a great deal for establishing a tone that was certainly professional but also marked by an extraordinary generosity of spirit and concern for one another. He touched the lives of many students, fellow faculty members, and administrators at Winthrop. I can truly say that many people will deeply miss him. As a long-time friend, I know he had a profound and lasting impact on me.
Katie (Lapish) Cooke
November 22, 2024
I am saddened to hear of the passing of mentor and friend, Melford Wilson. I was a student of his at WU as well as a renter of his house close to campus. Melford was a wonderful storyteller, professor, and mentor. I joined him on one of his trips to China and that is something I will never forget. You will be missed dearly friend!
Mary Travis Baumgardner
November 6, 2024
My mother was Dr. Vivian Travis. She was a professor in Winthrop's Psychology Dept. She used to tell me funny stories about Mel and truly loved him.
Bob Thompso n
November 4, 2024
Melford was a close and longtime friend. For a half-century, he was as memorable in our Monday Night Football group as he was changing young lives at Winthrop. Truly one of a kind! I'll miss him.
EDWINA DUPRE
November 4, 2024
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Wilson. I was one of his students at Winthrop, and thank you for teaching me so many different topics.
May his family be blessed during these difficult times and May God give you comfort.
Debi Payne Hallman
November 4, 2024
So sorry to hear of Melford´s passing. I enjoyed working for him as a Work-Study Business Admin student at Winthrop in the early 70s. WONDERFUL human being! RIP, Doc!
Doris [Blough] Browder
November 3, 2024
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Melford's death and send all the family our sincerest condolences. Doris Browder, Eric Blough, David Blough
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