James Edward Melton, 71, of Fitzgerald, died, Saturday, April 23, 2016, at his residence with his family present.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2016, at the Fitzgerald Church of God, with the Rev. Dewain Joiner officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, April 24, 2016, from 6-8 at the funeral home.
James was born August 28, 1944, in Fitzgerald, to the late Clinton and Ola Jane Hobby Melton; and has been a resident here all of his life. He worked with Dorminy Land and Cattle Company where he ran a bulldozer and was a welder; as well as repairing and refinishing bathtubs for many years. He attended both Fitzgerald Church of God and Christian Fellowship. He served honorably in the United States Navy during the Cuban Crisis and Vietnam Era, and received his GED while in the Navy.
Survivors include his children: Wade Melton and wife Vicki of Fitzgerald, Georgia, Lisa M. Bell and husband Rick of Dacula, Georgia, Jason Melton of Fitzgerald, Georgia. Grandchildren: Jake Melton, Keri Melton, Emily Melton and Katie Garterell; and one great-grandson, Connor Durham; one brother: Rudolph “Rudy” Melton and wife Peggy of Fitzgerald, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Charles Lee Melton.