Rudolph Clinton Melton, 79, of Fitzgerald, Georgia, died Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at PruittHealth in Ocilla, Georgia.
Graveside services will be held 11 AM, Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Brushy Creek Cemetery, in Irwin County, Georgia, with the Rev. Chuck Taylor officiating.
Mr. Melton was born May 14, 1942, in Fitzgerald, Georgia, to the late Clinton & Ola Jane Hobby Melton. After graduating high school in 1960, Mr. Melton proudly served his country honorably as a jet mechanic and instructor in the United States Navy. He retired in 1980 after 20 years of service, and he and his family returned to Fitzgerald.
During the 1980’s, Mr. Melton owned and operated Melton’s Radiator Shop and Highway 319 Convenience Store. He also served Fitzgerald as a City Councilman. He ended his working career as a long-haul truck driver, working independently and for JB Hunt Trucking. Mr. Melton was a member and deacon of Englewood Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife Peggy Melton of Fitzgerald; daughters: Theresa M. Paulk & David of Ocilla, Amy M. Sellars & Jim of Fitzgerald and Selena M. Sharpe & Derrick of Cumming; step-children: Diedra Rose & Albert, Derrick Musslewhite & Holly and Dana Hood & Ryan; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Rudolph Timothy Melton; his first wife, Voncille Scott Melton and two brothers: James Edward Melton and Charles Lee Melton.