One simple word epitomizes the life and career of Mel Showers: legendary.

During a visitation Friday for Showers, family and friends disussed how the journalist impacted their lives.

Showers died Oct. 19 at the age of 78. After returning home from the Air Force, he joined WKRG in 1969.

He worked at WKRG for over 50 years becoming a recognizable figure among households.

Showers broke down racial barriers becoming one of the first people of color to anchor a broadcast along the Gulf Coast.

Showers was recognized for his journalism by being named a “Journalist of Distinction” by the National Association of Black Journalists and induction into Alabama’s Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

Dr. Valencia Belle, Showers’ cousin, said that Showers’ death was a tremendous loss but was so thankful for all of the support the family has received.

“This is a great loss for the Gulf Coast and for our family,” Belle said. “Just very thankful for all the people who’ve shown so much support for the family and just really honoring the legacy that is Mel Showers.”

Belle said Showers was not just a television pioneer, but also an indelible figure in her family.

Showers was inspirational and encouraging and always urged family members to “find the truth of the story instead of just recording the facts” Belle said.

Belle she fondly recalled Showers covering track events when she played and how he always offered supportive nods and winks.

She said he would do this for all of his relatives and he was a ”tremendous family man.”

Rose Ann Haven was Showers’ co-anchor at WKRG for over a decade but their relationship continued past his retirement in 2019. Haven explained Showers was more than just a co-worker, he was family.

Haven said Showers was the ”epitome of humility and fairness and love.”

Haven discussed her fond memories of their families gathering, dancing to blues songs and watching college football.

Holding back tears, Haven detailed talking to Showers on Thursday, Oct. 17 and planning to go watch the Alabama v. Tennessee game that Saturday. But sadly when Haven called that morning she was informed of Showers’ passing.

One of Haven’s favorite memories of Showers was watching his reaction to Barack Obama winning the presidency. She said the moment was “poignant” because Showers grew up under segregation and she was able to witness his reaction to a moment he never thought he would see.

“I remember watching when Barack Obama won the presidency and seeing [Showers’] face,” Haven said.

“He never thought he would live to see that. So to me, for a legend who had broken down barriers and made history in his own right, for me to witness firsthand him seeing an act was profound.”

Haven said that although she was not ready to lose him she takes solace in the fact that Showers is now with his wife and daughter. Showers’ daughter April died in 2011 prior to his wife Linda‘s death in 2012.

“Now he’s at peace, so that brings me peace,” Haven said. “And so because of that I have, what he had throughout his life. And that is an attitude of gratitude, very grateful. I have no doubt God put him in my life.”

A funeral for Showers will be held today starting at 11 a.m. at Saenger Theatre. WKRG News 5 will stream the service on their Facebook page.