Carlton Joseph Melton Sr., born Dec. 17, 1945 in Gulfport, Miss., a resident of Daphne for 26 years, died Sunday, March 21, 2010 surrounded by family at his home after a battle with cancer.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas W. Melton.
He was a deeply loved and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a true zest for life and loved nothing more than to gather his friends and family together.
He was in the stevedoring industry for 45 years and for the last 15 years was a regional vice president with SSA Marine. The management and family of SSA Marine have been unparallel in their gracious support before, during, and after his illness.
He was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne.
Survivors include his wife and longtime sweetheart of 37 years, Jane Weaver Melton, who lovingly cared for him during his illness; daughter, Courtney Melton (Johnny) Ross of Daphne; son Carlton J. “Rocky”(Jessica) Melton Jr. of Mobile; his mother Ethel Trippi Melton of Gulfport, Miss.; four brothers, Michael, Steve, and Tommy Melton, all of Gulfport, Miss., and Jeffrey Melton of Raymond, Miss.; two grandchildren, Sydney and Griffin Ross both of Daphne; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
The family would like to express their gratitude for all the prayers, cards and letters from his many friends and associates. The outpouring of love just shows how many lives he touched and what a special person he was.
Visitation begins at 10 a.m. with a memorial Mass at noon Friday, March 26 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Daphne, with Monseignor Timothy Deasy officiating.
The family requests memorial donations be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, P.O. Box 549, Daphne, AL 36526 or Covenant Hospice, 1040 Stanton Road Suite D, Daphne, AL 36526.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Daphne.
