Melvin H. Williams

Melvin H. Williams

Norfolk -

Melvin H. Williams

Mel Williams, internationally renowned scholar in exercise science, world-class marathoner and a founder of the Tidewater Striders, died at home May 19. He was 78.

Mel's greatest joy was not in his many accomplishments, but in helping others, whether in the classroom, with his ground-breaking research or inspiring them to "be the best you can be."

It was quite an amazing journey for the fourth of Robert and Jean Williams' five children.

He grew up in a house built by his father and grandfather on an unpaved cinder alley in Kingston, Pa. As a youngster, Mel showed promise as an arsonist, almost burning down the family dwelling, setting the attic on fire. Fortunately, it was a short-lived talent.

It was in high school, where he wrestled and played football, that he developed an interest in nutrition and the effect of substances on athletic performance that would shape his life and thousands of others.

Mel was an excellent student, but he was much more interested in following brothers, Bud and Gail, into the military than going to college.

He enlisted in the Army (over the Marines) after seeing his favorite actor, Alan Ladd, in "Paratrooper," becoming a paratrooper himself and also a medic. The military introduced him two life-long loves: travel and beer.

He would eventually visit more than 100 countries and knock back several thousand "beverages," especially IPAs. More importantly, the Army, where he was assigned as a medic to the base sports teams, provided him with a solid base in anatomy and physiology and rekindled his interest in exercise science.

Armed with the GI Bill, Mel headed for college after the service. He arrived in Norfolk in 1968, after earning his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, at a time when the study of performance-enhancing substances was a fledgling discipline.

For 30 years, Mel was a professor of exercise science at Old Dominion University, where he founded the Human Performance Laboratory and the Wellness Institute. His research in blood doping led the International Olympic Committee to ban the practice of restoring blood red blood cells back into athletes to increase oxygen.

As a pioneer in the study of performance enhancing drugs, Mel explored the effects of everything from caffeine to hypnosis on athletic performance. He was one of the first to speak out on the dangers of steroids. His book "Nutrition for Health, Fitness and Sport," now in its 11th edition is considered the "Bible" on athletic nutrition and used as a textbook in many universities. In all, Mel wrote 10 books. He founded the "Journal of Sports Nutrition," the first publication of its kind, and lectured all over the world.

But Mel was more than a brilliant scholar. He was a true teacher, mentor and motivator. Despite being a notoriously tough grader (You had to earn that "A"), he was beloved and revered by students, shaping the careers of many.

"He was an inspirational faculty member for thousands of ODU students," said Old Dominion President John Broderick.

Always a runner, Mel got "serious" about the sport in Norfolk. As a distance runner, he was unparalleled. In the running community, Mel was known simply as "The Legend." He ran more than 125 marathons, competed in over 1,000 races, won his age group at the Boston Marathon three times (age 50, 60 and 61).

He was one of the original "Ground Pounders" of MCM. He ran every Marine Corps Marathon from 1976 till illness overtook him in 2014, winning his age group 18 times. In 2001, he was inducted into the Marine Corps Marathon Hall of Fame. For many years, Mel considered it slacking if he didn't log at least 100 miles every week. This year's Elizabeth River Run was dedicated to his memory.

Mel introduced and taught a "Marathon Running" course at ODU. The final exam was to run either the Shamrock or Marine Corps Marathon. No student ever beat the teacher.

At age 63, Mel decided it was about time he added the Hawaiian Ironman to his credits. He completed the 2.4-mile swim, the 112-mile bike ride and the marathon in 14 hours. After a grueling, wind-blown six-hour ride across hot lava fields, he considered leaving the bike in Honolulu with a sign: "Bike for Sale."

Mel was known as much for his encouragement and support of other runners. He was always available to answer questions or to help a struggling runner.

He took his running accomplishments "in stride." He drew more satisfaction in being one of the founders of the Tidewater Striders in 1972, which grew into one of the largest racing organizations in the U.S., spawning the running boom in Hampton Roads and encouraging thousands to "lace 'em up.".

After retiring in 1997, Mel became an Eminent Professor Emeritus. He was still a huge presence on campus as an occasional lecturer, substitute prof, spectator at ODU sporting events and endowing a scholarship in exercise science that has grown to over $100,000.

He is survived by his wife of 17 years and travel companion and running partner for 32, Jeanne Kruger-Williams, whom he met on a blind date. It was a union meant to be. Jeanne also became a competitive marathoner, often winning her age group, including in New York and Chicago.

He is also survived by daughter Serena Newsom and husband Jeff; stepdaughter Sara May and husband Nik; grandchildren Daniel and David Newsom and Katy, Lucy and Jake May; brother, Gail; and many nieces and nephews.

Mel was predeceased by his parents; and sisters, Georgia and Betty Jean.

In lieu of flowers and continuing Mel's spirit of giving, donations may be made to the Melvin H. Williams Scholarship for Exercise Science. Please make checks payable to the ODU Educational Foundation, 4417 Monarch Way, 4th Floor, Norfolk 23529. Or to the Mel Williams Memorial Scholarship, payable to the Tidewater Striders, 1585 Lake James Dr., Virginia Beach 23464.

For all those who loved Mel, a celebration and memorial service will be held at Norfolk Botanical Garden, Sunday, June 5, 2-4 p.m.