Donald Gene Melton, Sr.

AIKEN, SC – DONALD GENE MELTON, SR, 77, beloved husband of Marilyn Smith Melton, died Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at University Hospital, Augusta, GA. A native of Augusta, GA, Don was a son of the late Willie Claude, Sr. and Melissa Claire Wallace Melton. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was a retired machinist at the Savannah River Site. Don was a former member of Millbrook Baptist Church where he was a former deacon and active with the Whittler’s and the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class. His hobbies included competition archery, woodworking, fitness and exercise. Survivors, in addition to his wife of 58 years, Marilyn, include six children, Donald Gene Melton, Jr. (Cathy W.), Brian Allen Melton, Linda Ann Melton, Teresa Melton Sheppard (Chris), Pam Melton Sitler Hair (Tony) and Michael McKay Melton Sr. (Nicole), all of Aiken; thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a grandson, Mikey and a brother, Willie Claude Melton, Jr. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 until 7 o’clock at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home on Pine Log Rd. The funeral service will be Saturday afternoon at 3 o’clock at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Sunset Memory Gardens.  Pallbearers will be Ben Sheppard, Ryan Melton, Eric Melton, Thomas Sitler, Charles Sitler, Andrew Sitler and Carson Sitler. Memorial contributions may be directed to Christ Central, 3605 Richland Ave., W., Aiken, SC 29801 (www.christcentralaiken.com). SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Gene Melton, Sr., please visit our flower store.