Mark Allan Melzer

Mark Allan Melzer

July 14, 1957 – July 19, 2026

Mark Allan Melzer, age 69, of Johns Creek, Georgia, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026. Born in Madisonville, Kentucky, on July 14, 1957, Mark lived a full and vibrant life defined by hard work, a generous heart, and a relentless spirit of adventure but loved to be home.

Mark was a master diesel mechanic for 50 years and a skilled welder. From 2016 until 2024, he brought his incredible work ethic to Earth Development, Inc.. He technically "retired" in 2024, however, retirement was simply not a word in Mark’s vocabulary.

Driven by his love for the trade, he launched Mark’s Mobile Mechanic Service, traveling across the state of Georgia to help anyone in need of his mechanical expertise. His hands were rarely still; during the COVID-19 shutdown, he turned his talents to carpentry, building a beautiful deck for his beloved Aunt Zelma.

An avid outdoorsman, Mark loved hog and deer hunting alongside his best buddies, Keith Spence, Jason “Chubby” Gibbs, and Andy “Tiny” Gibbs. He was a lifelong animal lover who famously brought home a dog named "Lucy" from a hunting trip without consulting his wife, Lisa, first. True to Mark’s charm, Lucy quickly won everyone over, and became a cherished part of the family, and was later adopted by his daughter Jamye and son-in-law Edward. Mark also loved riding motorcycles and watching the Discovery Channel—always scouting and gathering inspiration for his next great family adventure with Jacob, Chasity, and Jessica. Over his lifetime, Mark’s wanderlust took him to six of the seven continents. He checked off every single one except Australia, strictly because he refused to endure the long flight time required to get there.

Above all, Mark was a man of boundless generosity who would truly give you the shirt off his back. Whether he was stepping up to help his Uncle Virgil close his barbershop after 50 years in business or moving heavy furniture for the family, Mark was always there. Mark was the calm in the storm for many friends during some of their worst moments. When Marzena Kiernan lost her husband Mark stepped in and made sure her and her children were taken care of. Mark did this for the Frysigner family as well.

Many people looked up to Mark as a second father figure including Ava Harwood, Austin Harwood, Tyson Stapp, Alysa Ergle, Piper Ergle, Travis Simpson, Jacob Watkins, Elizabeth Frysinger, Brian Kiernan, Kevin Kiernan, and Melissa Kiernan. He was a rock for his family.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Melzer and Norma Jean Jaggers; his brother Paul Melzer (d. 1956); his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Coy Blades; and his two deeply missed children, Jodi Melzer (d. 1996) and Melissa Poitevint (d. 2023) and one brother-in-law, Jimmy Ergle, Jr. (d. 2022).

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, loyalty, and work ethic. He is survived by his devoted wife of 29 years, Lisa Ann (Ergle) Melzer, whom he married on May 11, 1997; his "daughter by love," Jasmine "Jamye" Marie Bingham, and her husband, Edward Greig Bingham, III, of Smyrna, Georgia; Tony Thrower, of Louisiana, and his sister, Brenda Lewis of Madisonville, Kentucky. He is also survived by his extended family, including in-laws Patty Ergle Burroughs (Steven), Maggie Ergle Swann (Izzy), Kenny Ergle, Jason Ergle, and Vivian Hamrick, alongside a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Lisa was the love of Mark’s life for the last 32 years. They were best friends and enjoyed traveling, going to concerts and listening to music. He was a loyal friend and trusted confidant. Mark was an intense listener and always offered sage advice. He was quick with a joke and could be silly.

Mark’s final adventure has begun, and his memory will forever live on in the hearts of the many lives he touched, fixed, and built up along the way. Mark will now use his skills in Heaven. He will be sorely missed by many still left on earth, but we all know we will reunite with him again in Heaven.