Virgil Justin Mellott Jr.

Virgil was born to Virgil Justin Mellott and Anne Elizabeth Mellott on Feb. 7 1943 in Reading, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the tri-state area and graduated from Wilson High School in West Lawn Pennsylvania, class of 1961. He joined the United States Air Force that same summer and became a B-52 Bombardier. After winning 1st place in a bombing competition, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and started pilot training at Williams Air Force Base. He was awarded the Commanders Trophy at graduation and became a T-38 Flight Instructor Pilot. Later he became an F-4 Phantom Fighter Pilot and served in Vietnam. He loved being a Fighter Pilot and was proud to let you know every chance he got. He completed more than 22 years of active service to our country and retired at Luke Air Force Base as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1982.

Virgil went on to become a successful businessman in medical sales and eventually retired to Florida. Virgil raised 5 children, and is survived by his wife Kathryn, three daughters Tammy, Danette and Shari, and two sons Stephen and Bret, two step-sons Alan and Brian, 16 grandchildren and three great Grandchildren. He was a friend to many and loved by all who knew him. He loved the USA and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today. He was a Hero to our country.

A visitation for Virgil will be held Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, April 5, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, AZ 85024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.surprisefuneralcare.com for the Mellott family.