William Melvin

illiam "Bill" Melvin, a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather, thoughtful leader, and lifelong Michigan Wolverine, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on July 23, 2025. He was 85 years old.

Born in 1940 in Gary, Indiana, Bill was the son of Katherine Leigh Turner and John Coleman Melvin. He spent his early years helping his father at the Melvin Heating and Oil Company in Gary and enjoyed long summer days at his grandfather Turner's cottage on Gull Lake in Michigan-a place that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Bill was proud of his ancestral roots in Southwest Michigan which dated back to 1835.

Bill graduated from Lew Wallace High School in Gary and went on to earn a degree in Industrial and Operations Engineering, and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Michigan. While in college, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Anne Zaviski. The two shared a joyful and enduring partnership for 64 years, raising their children James Melvin and Laura Melvin with love, humor, and unwavering support.

Professionally, Bill had a distinguished career with the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company, rising to become the Executive Director of Worldwide Manufacturing and earning the Upjohn Award in 1978 acknowledging outstanding contributions, dedication, and excellence. A major chapter of Bill's life and career unfolded during a four-year assignment to Brussels, Belgium, where he managed Upjohn's regional manufacturing center. Living abroad brought the family closer together and created lifelong memories, especially among the vibrant community of expatriates at the International School of Brussels.

Bill was a man of boundless energy and compassion. He loved to coach and mentor others and was always on the sidelines coaching his children and grandchildren. While Bill loved to golf, ski and play basketball he seemed more interested in helping others get involved. He coached little league, softball, ice hockey and basketball. He organized group ski trips, bike rides, boat trips, dinners, travel adventures, and so much more. Bill was affectionately referred to as "Punk" by his grandchildren and many others, a title lovingly adorned by his oldest grandchild JD as he was learning to say Grandpa. And Punk was all about fun.

After retirement, Bill and Joyce wintered on Anna Maria Island in Florida, where they welcomed family and friends with open arms, a boat for exploring the Gulf of Mexico, and a great glass of red wine. Family fondly remembers day excursions to Egmont Island, searching for sharks teeth, and walks to the Sand Bar restaurant for a grouper sandwich.

Bill's passions ran deep. He was a charter member and chairman of the Gull Lake Community Church, in Richland Michigan. He loved collecting art during his global travels, and painting with watercolors. He was a proud Michigan alum and an enthusiastic supporter of all things Maize and Blue-rarely missing a home football game and hosting tailgate parties near the Big House.

A natural leader, Bill inspired others not only through his work but also by his openness. He lived for decades with bipolar disorder and found strength and purpose in his collaboration with the University of Michigan Depression Center. He worked tirelessly to help break the stigma surrounding mental illness and help others feel less alone.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; his children James (Amy) Melvin and Laura (Aaron Preston) Melvin; grandchildren James Douglass (JD) Melvin, Stuart (Maggie) Melvin, Abigail Melvin (Andrew King), Deric Murray (Jaeda Porter), and Blake Preston (Mackenzie Teichner); and his great-granddaughter, Margo Melvin. Bill was also close with his sister-in-law Jeanne (Tom) Turnball, and their children Becky and Jen. He also played a special role in the life of his sister-in-law, Kathy (John) Fiederlein, and her children Hannah (Dan) Bilboa, and Walker (Page) Fiederlein, who lovingly regarded him as a grandfather.

Bill lived a life of generosity, dedication, and joy. He taught those around him to lead with kindness, to cherish family, and to make room for laughter. His memory lives on in every bike ride, every family gathering, every maize-and-blue tailgate, and in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be loved by him.

A celebration of Bill's life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the University of Michigan Depression Center, WMU Homer Styker M.D. School of Medicine: Depression Center Fund-VPDC, Meilland Square Memory Care, or a charity of your choice that supports mental health awareness and care.

Please visit Bill's memorial webpage to share condolences and memories with his family at https://www.Langelands.com