Arlie B. Melton NEWPORT NEWS
When Arlie Melton gave advice, his family listened. It was
not his style to offer advice, but it was always there when
you needed it. A patient listener, Melton had a special
quality of relating to young adults and helping them with
those difficult years of adolescence. "He was a steady
person. I stayed with him a lot when I was growing up and
he always helped me put things into perspective." recalls
Melton's grandson, Michael, 22, of Williamsburg. Arlie B.
Melton, 77, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, in Riverside Regional
Medical Center of a heart attack. Evelyn Johnson was a
neighbor of Melton's for more than 30 years. She describes
him as a kind, gentle, smiling person, who was always
available to lend a helping hand. Born in Buena Vista,
Tenn., he moved to Buckroe Beach in 1944 to work with civil
service at the Port of Imbarkation. After several years, he
and his wife, Essie, moved to Newport News. Melton decided
to begin his own building contracting company and many of
the homes in Shore Park and along Chickahominy River were
build by his company. He was an excellent cabinet-maker and
he eventually sold his contracting firm and began working
for Peters Cabinet Shop. As the demand for hand constructed
cabinets declined, Melton returned to civil service at Fort
Eustis. He retired from that position after 15 years.
Melton's daughter, Patricia Inge, remembers her father's
love of wrestling, football and baseball. He didn't yell or
cheer, he was a very quiet man, but you knew that he was
enjoying the game. His quiet manner was beneficial when he
was involved with his favorite sport saltwater fishing. He
went on many fishing trips with his friend and neighbor,
Edward Johnson, as well as his son-in-law and grandsons. He
was a member of Temple Baptist Church on Harpersville Road.
Survivors include his wife, Essie Lorene Melton; one
daughter, Patricia M. Inge of Newport News; one son, Larry
Melton of James City County; two brothers, Garfield Melton
and Ealon Melton, both of Memphis, Tenn; and four
grandchildren. A funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday
in Weymouth Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. Robert Gray.
Burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park. The family
will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 tonight at the funeral
home.1
Sources:
- Daily Press (Newport News, Virginia) 08 Dec 1988, Thu Main Edition Page 22
