Richard Anthony Melton

1958 - 2022

Richard Anthony Melton, 64, of Lenoir City departed this life on Sunday, March 15, 2022. He was born Jan. 20, 1958, to the late Mary Francis "Dean" Harrison Brown of Etowah. He was immediately adopted by Caretha King Melton. Rick was raised by his grandparents, James and Elizabeth Brabson in Athens. He accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of the Rev. G. Hardaway at A.O.H. Church of God. He later joined Macedonia Baptist Church in Philadelphia and was a member until moving away. Rick (or Ricky as some fondly know him) graduated from Loudon High School where he excelled in football and basketball. He received a scholarship to Mars Hill College and was there for a short period before becoming permanently barred from playing sports. He was an all-around sportsman and, if you were around him for just a few minutes, it was quickly identified. He was up to date on any type of stats you wanted to talk about. He was most recently employed at UT-Battelle and retired at an early age due to the many major surgeries he experienced. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Cynthia Ratledge Melton; daughter, Brieanda Nicolle Melton and friend, Charles Snipes; adopted son/nephew, Zachary Pryor Mitchell of Murfreesboro; grandson, Robert "Bubby" Davis; sister, the Rev. M. Wyvetta and Neil Bullock of Oak Park, Ill.; brothers/sisters-in-law, Freddie and Edna Harrison, Barbara Lee Kerr, Van D. Ratledge of Chattanooga, and Jeanette and Charles Hogans; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 19, at Kyker Funeral Home from 2 to 3 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. in the chapel with the Rev. Vant Hardaway and the Rev. Archie Smart officiating. Interment will follow in Sweetwater Memorial Park. Kyker Funeral Home of Sweetwater is in charge of arrangements.