Frankie Joe Melton, Sr.

The year 1953 was a banner year. Queen Elizabeth II was crowned in London, Eisenhower was sworn in as president, and the structure of DNA was discovered. Queens were crowned, wars were ended, presidents took office, and discoveries were made that changed the world, but in that same year, in a far quieter corner of the world, something happened that mattered just as much to those who knew him.

Amid the wide sweep of world events, the Lord knit a baby boy together in his mother’s womb. A young couple from the Sandhills of Chesterfield County had moved to Concord, North Carolina, to work at Cannon Mills. With little money but remarkable determination, Joe and Inez Melton welcomed their second child—and first son—Frankie J. Melton into the world.

History records the great events of nations—but heaven records the lives of men.

He was brought home from the hospital to a modest apartment, and his childhood was spent roaming the streets and alleyways of Concord, doing odd jobs, and working on cars.

Like a mighty oak—tall, strong, and unbending—he stood through the storms of life, never faltering. Undaunted by sorrow, he embraced life fully. Like a watchman in the night, he guarded his greatest treasure—his children and grandchildren. Under his branches, they found shade, protection, and strength.

He developed a work ethic of steel at an early age, shaped by the example of his parents. From his mid-teens, he worked steadily and never stopped. From his father, he learned humility and generosity. From his mother, he inherited a stubborn resolve and a plainspoken honesty.

His mother often said he could completely disassemble and rebuild a car engine at just thirteen years old. True to form, he spent his final day on earth doing just that—working on the motor of his beloved classic pickup truck.

He lived simply and spoke plainly, never seeking attention or recognition. If his life could be summed up in one word, it would be family. He loved cars, but he was devoted to his family—especially his grandchildren.

He loved camping at the beach with his family and enjoyed cooking everybody breakfast.

Though not wealthy, he was extraordinarily generous to his family. In addition to assisting them with years of education, he sent his kids and grandkids on several all expenses paid trips to Europe—including the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

On Friday, May 22, after a long day of turning wrenches and listening to his engine, he fell asleep watching television and quietly entered into his eternal reward. We can only imagine the joyful reunion with his father and mother, his brother and sister, and his beloved wife of more than fifty years, Patsy.

The title he would have cherished most is simple: “Loving Father and Grandfather.” He was a fierce protector of his children and grandchildren and devoted his life to their well-being. For him, there was no sweeter sound than the door opening and a voice calling out, “PawPaw!”

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary D. Melton; his sister, Frances Edwards; his parents, Joe and Inez Melton; his infant daughter, Lori Ann Melton; his granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Melton; and his wife of fifty years, Patsy Eason Melton.

He is survived by his children: Frankie J. Melton, Jr. (Amy), Amy Lynn Mackey (Randy), and Gary L. Melton (Kristi); and six grandchildren: Kaylee Faith Twitty, Brooke Grace Twitty, Lydia Catherine Melton, Noah Franklin Melton, Mary Elizabeth Melton, and Anna Caroline Melton.

He is also survived by his siblings—Gail Eason, Kathy Laney, Shirley Sanders, and Lisa Terry—along with many nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be held at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, Jefferson, SC.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Mission Fund of Heath Springs Baptist Church, PO Box 424, Heath Springs, SC 29058.

Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) is serving the Melton family.