‘Papa Joe' Melton

COLBERT – Robert Gordon Melton, “Papa Joe,” 85, died Wednesday, December 9, 2009.

A native of Clarke County, he had lived in Madison County most of life. He was the son of the late Henry Gordon and Arnettie Melton. Mr. Melton was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Merle Payne Melton; and a daughter, Cheryl Elaine Melton. He was a member of the Hull Baptist Church.

Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Tommy Melton, Colbert, and Steve and Teresa Melton, Statham; brothers, Billy Melton, Hull, and Richard Melton, Elberton; sisters, Bonnie LaCount, Gastonia, N.C., Betty Huth and Joyce Bonner, both of Colbert, Daisy Bagwell, Athens; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m., at the Hull Baptist Church with the Rev. Randy Crowe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Bridges Funeral Home Friday, December 11, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Hull Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 640, Hull, GA 30646.
The family would like to say a very special thanks to Patsy Cruce, RN with Hospice Advantage of Athens and caregivers Deborah Huth and granddaughter Kim Keenan for the wonderful job you did taking care of our “Papa Joe.” He loved you all.

Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.