Willie Melton

Born on May 12, 1934, to the loving union of Melvin Melton and Parlee McGraw, Mr. Melton was a man of unwavering faith and dedication to his family. Mr. Melton accepted Christ at a young age while residing in a small community in Sprott, Alabama near Selma. Throughout his life, Mr. Melton made his mark in the world through his hard work and devotion. Later in life, he shared his warmth and kindness as a devoted member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church for many years under the leadership of Rev. W. J. Pierce. Mr. Melton received his formal education in the Selma School district while attending The Melton School. Upon completing his education, he moved to Florida to start his work career. After a few years, Mr. Melton moved to Gadsden, Alabama where he became a valued employee with Robert Brothers and Anderson Construction Company and soon started his family. To make a better living for his family, he migrated north joining the workforce with Chrysler Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan and was later transferred to the plant in Rockford, Illinois. After many years of dedicated work, Mr. Melton decided to retire and moved back to Alabama to enjoy the fruit of his labor. His life was enriched by his beloved late wife, Sarah M. Melton, with whom he shared six precious children who stands as a testament to his enduring love and guidance. He loved his family and people, but most of all, he loved and enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His motorcycle was his passion. Mr. Melton was a beacon of strength and wisdom to his family, instilling values that will echo through generations. On Friday evening, March 8, 2024, at 10:40 p.m., the esteemed life of Mr. Willie Bernard Melton, a pillar in the Gadsden, Alabama community, came to an end while in the comfort of his home surrounded by his beloved family. As he peacefully transitioned from this earthly realm to eternal rest, he was reunited with his parents, Melvin Melton and Parlee McGraw, sisters, Lennye Green and Jennie Melton, brothers, Samuel Alexander, Andrew Melton, and Clarence Melton, son, Danny Melton, grandsons, Bernard Jr. and Omar Melton, son-in-law, Taylor Knowles, and one of daddy's angels, Elizabeth Gibbs. As we gather to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Willie Bernard Melton, we extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. May his spirit of resilience and compassion continue to inspire us all. Mr. Melton leaves behind a rich legacy of love and cherished memories to forever be remember by his five children, Celetha (William) Cunningham, Bernard (Val) Melton, Diane Knowles, Marlon (Teresa) Melton, and Marcia (John) Edmondson; chosen sons, Ricky Jackson and Wayne Thomas; eight grandchildren, Twana (Leroy) Cowden, Angela Nelson, Tony Weatherly, Tennyson Merkerson, Marcia Blount, Marlon Blount, Tashara Heard, and Arthur Jones; one brother and sister-in-law , Lindsey Alexander and Geraldine Alexander; special friends, Clizelle Gilbert and family of Rockford, Illinois, Beatrice Freeman and family of Gadsden, Alabama, G2G Bikers of Atlanta, Georgia, and Grey Wolf Riders of Alabama; special neighbors, Karen Huffman and Dorothy Watson; Daddy's Angels, Priscilla Blount, Lou Ellen McGruder, Queen Kynard, Jerrie Fuhrman, Anita Mathews, Cherie Hudson, Dionne Trammell, Norva Woods, Tammy Davis, Alberta Hughley, and Sabrina Hughley; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. In honor of a life well-lived and a spirit never forgotten, we come together to pay our respects to a man who touched the lives of many and left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Mr. Willie Bernard Melton's memory will forever be cherished, and his legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tributes

Willie Melton

May 12, 1934 - March 8, 2024