Melburn Ross Mayfield

1921 - 2013

Melburn Ross Mayfield

Melburn Ross Mayfield, age 92, of Clarksville, passed away Friday, September 20, 2013 at Gateway Medical Center. Sykes Funeral Home & Crematory is in Charge of arrangements.

The funeral service will be at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at Sykes Funeral Home with Rev. Skip Armistead and Dr. Walter Moore officiating.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., today and 11 a.m. until the hour of service on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West.

Mr. Mayfield was born in McLean County, KY on August 24, 1921 to the late Levi and Grace Robertson Mayfield. He served in the 44th Infantry Division and the 71st Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army during World War II where he achieved the rank of Corporal. He served in the European Theater of Operations as a Radio Operator for Forward Observor at the Observation Post of Cannon Company. He received medals for the American Theater: EAME Theater Ribbon w/2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. He was also awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service in Combat and qualified for the Combat INF Badge, Rifle Expert Badge and Carbine SS Badge.

After serving in the military, Mr. Mayfield graduated with a master's degree in physics from the University of Florida. He began his career in higher education in 1950 at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, teaching physics and coaching tennis.

In 1957, he founded the Physics Department at Austin Peay State University where he taught many students who went on to be physics teachers and professors of physics at various universities across the South. During his tenure at Austin Peay, Professor Mayfield was also called on to serve the University as Vice President for Development and Field Services and Executive Director for University Advancement. He was an incorporator, charter member, and vice president of the board of trustees of the Austin Peay State University Foundation in 1975, and his support and dedication to the school is without question. Taking his much deserved retirement in 1987, Mr. Mayfield was awarded the title of Professor Emeritus for his many years of distinguished service to the university, its administration and faculty, and generations of students. He also served as a member of the board of directors and former president of the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

A lifelong musician, he played mandolin in many local musical groups and both competed in and judged Old-Time Fiddlers' Conventions.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Louise Cochran Mayfield of Clarksville; son, Nash (Jenny) Mayfield of Macon, GA; grandchildren, Marika, Linnea, Alden, Hannah, Owen, Harper Rose and Hailey.

Friends and Family will serve as Pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Mayfield, Wood-Boercker, Sears Endowment at APSU Advancement, P.O. Box 4417, Clarksville, TN 37044 or Hilldale United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 1751 Madison St., Clarksville, TN 37043.

Online condolences may be made at www.sykesfuneralhome.com