William P. Melton,
(CM Sgt, USAF, Ret.)
William Peter “Pete” “Bill” Melton, 77, of Frederick County, Virginia, died Wednesday, July 6, 2011, in a local nursing facility.
Mr. Melton was born in 1934, in Rockingham, North Carolina, the son of the late Robert and Wilma Spellman. He was a tool crib manager with ABEX having retired in 1996 after 44 years of service. Mr. Melton was a member of Opequon Presbyterian Church, the Winchester Horseshoe Club and the Senior Bowling League. He was also a member of Winchester Moose Lodge #1283 in Winchester, Virginia.
Mr. Melton was a Veteran having served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict, he then joined the USAF Reserve serving for 43 years retiring in 1994. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation with 2 oak leaf clusters, the Presidential Unit Citation, as well as the Korea Service Medal. He achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant.
He married Betty Lou Knighting on June 29, 1996 in Winchester, Virginia.
Surviving with his wife is his daughter, Carrie Virginia Melton and her husband, William Howe Warner; three step-sons, Bobby McKinney and wife, Mary, Michael McKinney and wife, Tracy, Darryl Willis and wife Alicia all of Winchester, Virginia; a step-daughter, Debbie McKinney Dowd and husband Gavin of Newport News grandsons, Michael Belcher, Jr. and Christopher Belcher; step grandchildren, Katie Dowd, Andrew Dowd, Colleen Dowd, Gavin Dowd, Molly Dowd, Bridget Dowd, Tyler McKinney, Amanda Willis, Christopher McKinney and David McKinney; and two brothers, Robert Spellman of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Bruce Melton of Hagerstown, Maryland.
His first wife, Nancy Fay Beatty Melton and one daughter, Holly Sue Belcher preceded him in death.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Monday at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel with Reverend David Witt officiating. Interment will be in Shenandoah Memorial Park with Military honors accorded by VFW Post #2123.
Pallbearers will be Kenneth Sorrells, Russell Hiett, Nevin Brill, Herbert Michael and Frank Sherwood.
The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to Opequon Presbyterian Church, 217 Opequon Church Lane, Winchester, Virginia 22602 or Round Hill Volunteer Fire and Rescue, 769 Round Hill Road, Winchester, Virginia 22602.
Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com.