Ronald Bee Melton

05/29/1941 - 02/05/2024

Ronald "Ronnie" Bee Melton, 82, died on February 5, 2024 at his home in Mobile, AL. A native of Louisville, MS, he is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Peggy Horne Melton, a daughter, Rhonda Ann (Michael) Holland of Mobile, AL, a son, Dr. Alan Bee (Kim) Melton of Fairhope, AL and grandchildren Dr. Michael (Charlotte) Rodgers Holland, Jr., Matthew Melton Holland, Haley Noelle Melton and Natalie Bee Melton. He has one great-grandchild, Michael Rodgers Holland, III. He is also survived by his brother, Joel (Jeannie) Melton of Madison, MS. He was predeceased by his parents, Honor and Doris (Addkison) Melton of Louisville, MS.
He was a graduate of Newton High School in Newton, MS and earned a football scholarship at Tulane University, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He then received a graduate degree in Chemistry from the University of Mississippi. He began his 35-year career in the chemical industry in 1965 with American Cyanamid in New Orleans, LA and relocated to the Mobile, AL plant with his family in 1969. He was the Plant Manager for many years. In 1993, American Cyanamid Company created Cytec Industries and he served as Director of Operations, responsible for the paper, water treatment, mineral and alumina businesses until he retired in 2000.
Ronnie was a member of Springhill Baptist Church, the Tulane Football Lettermen Club and a Past President of the Alabama Chemical Association. He was a past Chairman of the Goodwill Easter Seals board and past Board Chair and an emeritus member of the United Way of Southwest Alabama board of trustees. Prior to serving as Board Chair, he chaired a division campaign and the allocations committee of UWSWA. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Mobile and a Paul Harris Fellow and past Board Chair of the Community Foundation of South Alabama.
He was a freshwater fisherman and often left his Fish River home before daybreak with his wife, children or grandchildren to catch the "big one". He attended every sporting event and recital his grandchildren participated in and helped coach football as well.
The family wishes to thank Lanita Hill, Karen Hill, Elizabeth Dorsey, Geneva Belser, Wanda Isabelle, Cariess Fairley and Paula Stewart for their love and care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following charities: Goodwill Gulf Coast, 2440 Gordon Smith Drive Mobile, AL 36617 (www.gesgc.org) or Alzheimer's Association, 1 Metroplex Drive Suite 230 Birmingham, AL 35209 (www.alz.org).