Carlton Newton Mell

Carlton Newton Mell Jr., 94, of Athens, Georgia, passed away at his home of over 80 years on October 26, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Carlton was born on December 22, 1931, in St Mary’s Hospital on Milledge Ave., the son of Carlton N. Mell Sr. and Frances Martha Myers Mell. He attended the State Normal School in first grade, Barrow Elementary School (grades 2 - 6), Athens Junior High and High School. After High School he attended the University of Georgia until he joined the Air Force during the Korean War.

Carlton married his high school sweetheart Mary C. Gilbert on August 2, 1952. After four years of military service, he returned to Athens to attend the University of Georgia and graduated in 1957. Carlton worked for the Southern Mutual Insurance Co., then for the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Georgia until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church from birth and also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Athens. Carlton enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, sports and spending time at his cabin on Lake Hartwell. Most of all he enjoyed his family and friends.

Carlton was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Mary Gilbert Mell, of almost 54 years, his brother-in-law Henry Tucker Gilbert III, and his son in law David Lay. He is survived by his daughters, Kitty Lay of Athens, Laura Ackerley (Steve) of Watkinsville, Fran Hoard (Jason) of Jefferson, and grandchildren Rusty Lay (Charlotte), Chip Lay (Joni), Ben Ackerley (Cassie), Robby Ackerley (Kristen), Meagan Sullivan, Rachael Mondragon (Alex), and great grandchildren Conner and Mary Wynn Lay; Vivi, Brigette, Ellie, and Marjorie Lay; Avi and Feivel Ackerley; Wells and Walker Ackerley; niece and nephew Emily and Tucker Gilbert, and numerous cousins.

A graveside service will be held on November 22, 2:00PM, with Reverend Margaret Davis officiating at the Oconee Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Sexton’s House for a celebration of life following the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Athens Area Emergency Food Bank or the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, GA.

The family would like to express deep gratitude to all his wonderful caregivers from Christopher’s Bridge Home Care, St. Mary’s Home Health Care and Hospice, and his family friend Laura Morgan.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements