William Frank Melton, Sr.

William Frank Melton, Sr., 85, passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at the John F. Keever Hospice Center. A native of Asheville, he was a son of the late William Jack Melton, Sr. and Dona Bishop Melton. He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Melton McKinney and Lucille Melton McFall. Frank was a member of Long Shoals Baptist Church, a member of the Men's Sunday School Class and served his church with custodial duties. He served his country proudly during the Korean Conflict in the U.S, Air Force and was a member of the VFW. He was a retied employee of the National Climatic Weather Records Center. Frank is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dorothy Rhodes Melton; two sons, Thomas Starling "Tommy" Melton and his wife, Patricia, of Northport, Florida, William Frank "Bill" Melton, Jr. and his wife Debbie, of Asheville and a daughter, Cathy Elaine Melton Fisher and her husband, Mark, of Arden. Also surviving is a brother, William Jack Melton, Jr., of Kennesaw, Georgia; three grandchildren, William Tyler Melton, Marlana Lynn Melton and Steven Michael Fisher; a great granddaughter, Christina Jackie Perricone and a number of nieces and nephews. Frank loved his family, his church and his community. He never missed an opportunity to say a kind word or help someone in need. He will truly be missed by family and friends. A funeral service is scheduled for 2:00 pm Friday in the chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian conducted by the Rev. Roger Rearden. Interment will follow in Averys Creek Methodist Church Cemetery with military honors. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 pm, prior to the service at the funeral home. The family would like to express their thanks to CarePartners Hospice for the love and care extended Frank while in hospice. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to the Building Fund of Long Shoals Baptist Church, 661 Long Shoals Road, Arden, NC 28704.