Joseph "Joe" Capers Mellichamp, III

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Joe Mellichamp was truly a southern gentleman. After moving to Florida in high school, he received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida College of Law. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1971 and was a member of the Florida Bar for nearly 55 years. He joined the Florida Attorney General’s Office under then Attorney General Robert Shevin. He worked under six different Attorneys General during his legal career. Joe was an accomplished litigator appearing in many cases. He had 190 reported appellate decisions, including 39 reported Florida Supreme Court opinions and three United States Supreme Court decisions. In addition to his many years with the Attorney General’s office, Joe practiced law with Carlton Fields and The Levy Law Firm. He was an exceptional tax attorney and represented clients with state tax issues. He joined the Rotary Club of Tallahassee in 1996 and was soon elected as a club director. He was the creator of a service project supporting the Able Trust summer camp each year for high school students, and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year in 2015 for his support of the Youth Leadership Forum. He enjoyed the weekly Rotary luncheon meetings with his friends and made each speaker feel at home. Joe was a Rotarian who lived the 4-way Rotary test when he spoke and conducted himself: Is it the truth; will it be fair to all concerned; will it build goodwill and better friendship; and will it be beneficial to all concerned. Joe was a friend to many and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Staros Mellichamp, his daughter Michelle Plourde (Marc), his step-daughter Amanda Harmon (Mike Doane), and his sister, Susan Starr Coleman (Michael). He was preceded in death by his father, Stiles A. Mellichamp, Sr., his mother, Eugenia Fripp Starr, and his brother, Stiles A. “Budd” Mellichamp, Jr. A service is being planned to be held either end of February or beginning of March. Details forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be made in Joe’s memory to Big Bend Hospice. Breanna Green of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Joseph "Joe" Capers Mellichamp, III

February 20, 1945 - January 30, 2026