Rev. Samuel David Melton

Reverend Samuel “Sam” David Melton, 84 of Old Fort, passed peacefully into the Lord’s hand February 28, 2020. Sam was born May 25, 1935 to George and Dorothy (Bennett) Melton in Cleveland, the oldest of four children, Evelyn (Visage), Carolyn (Cassidy) and George Stephen Melton. Sam graduated from Bradley Central High School and went on to attend Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City. It was at Carson-Newman where he met the love of his life, Wanda Caylor of Dalton, GA. After graduation and marriage, Sam and Wanda put their trust in the Lord and headed to Fort Worth, Texas where Sam graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Sam was ordained at the Ridgedale Baptist Church in Chattanooga. Together Sam and Wanda have served lives of ministry and service in the Southern Baptist and the Presbyterian Church. Sam extended his life of service into the community as a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, S.J., U.S.A. and the Alhambra Shriners International. Quiet in spirit, imaginative, patient, and a life-long learner, Sam enjoyed the arts, science, travel and spending time in his garden. Sam inspired everyone he met to be actively involved with the community of faith, stay close to family and friends, and give care and respect to all the Lord’s creatures and creation. Sam leaves his wife Wanda; daughters Sharon Roden and husband Roddy and Sheri Melton and husband Peter Gerschefski; grandson, James Arnold; sister, Evelyn Visage; brother, George Melton and wife Karen; and many other loving family and friends. Funeral services will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with Pastor Roger Wagner officiating. Interment will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Calvary Cemetery in Crandall, GA. His family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Melton family guestbook at www.fikefh.com