John Wesley Melton, III MD

July 12, 1941 - January 8, 2025

John Wesley Melton, III MD, 83, passed unexpectedly but peacefully at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, MD on January 8, 2025. He had relocated to Silver Spring from Reedville, VA, in 2023. He was born in Richmond, VA on July 12, 1941, beloved son of the late John Wesley Melton, Jr. and Virginia Bernadine Melton. He spent his life dedicated to the wellbeing of his patients, families, and friends and is survived by loving wife, Lynn Monahan Melton; his son John IV; daughter, Teresa Douglas; and cherished grandchildren, Logan and Marshall; stepson, Christopher Vaughan, wife Lora; and their daughters, Keira and Farrah.

He was a proud alumnus of Hermitage High School (1959), Hampden-Sidney College (1963), Medical College of Virginia (1967) and New York University School of Medicine Rheumatology Fellowship. He practiced in Washington, DC then Chevy Chase, Maryland beginning in 1973. He later joined the Chesapeake Medical Group in Lively, Virginia in 2007 while semi-retired in Reedville, VA, and did retire in 2017. In addition to his practice, he served as Chief of Rheumatology at Sibley Hospital and a term as president of the Arthritis Foundation. In 2020, he took multiple classes, renewed his medical license and volunteered in COVID vaccination clinics throughout the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula of Virginia and was recognized for his extended service. He also served as Secretary of the Northumberland County Democratic Committee.

Dr. Melton loved to take his boat 'At Last' out on local waters, tend his garden, and can the produce to share with family and friends. He loved to cook and entertain, and he found great joy in helping others enjoy his talents as well. He loved traveling and sampling new cultures and cuisines. He doted on his Portuguese Water Dogs, first Lola, then Bria, recently Alegra, and spoiled them with home cooked meals. He was an early adopter of technology, actually built some of his earliest computers, and was always upgrading to the newest devices available. He also loved music with a special enthusiasm for Dave Brubeck and what he termed "white boy jazz", Ray Charles, and Tina Turner. He later discovered Irish traditional music and spent his last three vacations touring Ireland guided by Irish musicians.

John Wesley Melton will be profoundly missed by all privileged to know him through his years as a caring physician, husband, father and friend. He enriched many lives through his remarkable years and his generous, caring spirit will continue to resonate in their hearts.

There will be a family burial service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia on January 25, 2025, at 11 a.m.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 19, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for John Melton

10 Entries

Karen Smith Fraser

August 23, 2025

I know others have said this already and I will again say that Dr. Melton was the best RA doc I ever had! The way he shared with me my diagnosis was pure Dr. M~he apologized, was tearful, wished he had other news, stepped back (per his words) so that I wouldn´t use a Taekwondo move on him- had to add his humor. I can picture the scene clearly and this was 2003! My treatment included the latest and more aggressive treatments at the time and his assertiveness, advocacy, compassion, expertise and collaborative care model (he listened to his patients!!!!) has carried me all of these years. I moved right before his move and semi-retirement, it seems. He was looking forward to time with family and his other hobbies.
Recently, I had a flare up in my condition and all I could think of was "What would Dr. Melton say or do?"
In the midst of a health struggle as a young RN, mom, wife, martial artist, God set me up with the most compassionate caregivers. I am forever grateful and send my deepest condolences. He´s left light in the world that can´t be covered.

Patricia Miller

June 10, 2025

I am sad to learn of Dr. Melton's passing. I worked as Dr. Melton's secretary for 7 years. He was always kind to all of his patients. Even when a patient just showed up without an appointment Dr. Melton would make the time and see that patient. He had great empathy for all of his patients.

Pat

June 10, 2025

Hi, I worked for Dr. Melton at the Arthritis Rehabilitation Center from 1977 to 1984. He was a pleasure to work for and this was my favorite job. He was so very smart. He was always kind, showed great empathy to all of his patients.

Suzan Geissler

January 26, 2025

I´m so sorry to learn of John´s passing. We were cousins. May God bless you and the family.

Noreen Monahan

January 25, 2025

I'm sorry I could not be there in person to say goodbye to John but am sending my sincere condolences to Lynn and all of John's family. We were blessed to have him as part of the Monahan family and will cherish the fond memories of the special times and celebrations that we shared with him. We loved all his homegrown and homemade juices and jams that he brought to Pittsburgh. Shopping trips to the Strip District with John were always a wonderful adventure. Camping trips and sitting around a fire with him also bring happy memories. He was warm, funny and generous and we will miss him. An Irish saying to give us comfort - "Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear".

Justin & Missy Sturak

Sent Flowers

Sharon Faina

January 23, 2025

Dr. Melton was a god-send when I first moved to the Neck. I thought I would have to drive to Richmond to find a doctor. I was really happy to see he was right down the road. Well, I drive to Richmond now but my fancy doctors don´t care for me the way he did. We shared our love of dogs and he would talk about Lola and I´d talk about Arthur, my Flat-Coated Retriever. He celebrated each of his titles with me. When he retired I felt I was losing a dear friend and I hugged him goodbye. I was thrilled when once in a while we would run into each other at an event or farmers market. I will miss knowing that can´t happen any more. . Rest well Dr. Melton. You served this world well.

Pamela Ball

January 22, 2025

I sure do miss Dr Melton he was the best RA doctor

harold settle MD

January 21, 2025

Wow! What a wonderful life! I graduated with John from Hampden-Sydney College in 1963, and then from U Va med in 1967. I practiced Cardiology in Birmingham, Alabama until I retired in 2017 as well. My boat was named Unavailable as there were no cell phones in 2000 when I commissioned her.
I am sorry for your loss but what a life to celebrate!

Joanne W Walters

January 20, 2025

Dear Lynn:

Your wonderful husband was my doctor for many years and absolutely was the best doctor I've ever had... ever. Not only did he take care of my physical needs but quite often my emotional needs because I was very ill and still am . I think of him all of the time and wish there were more like him but I think God broke the mold when John was born. You may have seen the wine stopper that I gave him when he retired...it was of a Portuguese water dog. I knew how much he loved his doggies and even more I knew how much he loved you. He spared no wonderful words about you at all my dear. I'll miss him so, so much. Bless you and your family and your puppies and please know John was loved by more people than we probably have space on a piece of paper to write down. I would like to know when a plan a celebration of his life is, as I would like to try to make it to it.

Bless you and prayers you.

Joanne (Jo) W. Walters
Heathsville, VA

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