Allen Wayne Melton
October 11, 1950-September 13, 2023
MELTON, Allen W., 72, of Mechanicsville, VA was called home on September 13, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents, Onza A. Melton and Mary Alice Brewer Melton; his wife, Pamala (Sample) Melton; and three brothers and one sister.
Allen is survived by his daughter, Candith Bruner (Ian); son, Chad Melton; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by siblings, Loretta Pierce and Junior Melton (Carol Ann); and numerous beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Raised in Galax, VA, Allen was a fun-loving child who gravitated outdoors where he enjoyed gardening alongside his mother and countless hours playing with his siblings, cousins, and friends.
Allen attended Milligan College where he met his wife of 48 years. His love and tender care of her was evident throughout their courtship and marriage, even beyond her passing.
Allen’s love for the Lord grew through the guidance of his wife. Active in the church, he held positions of office and served as a Sunday School teacher for most of his adult life. He avidly studied the scripture and sent devotions via text and email to family and friends nearly every day.
Allen’s nearly 45 years with Southern States Cooperative began in management and rose to executive leadership. Over the decades, he served as a member, officer, and/or executive board leader for numerous organizations, including the Virginia Cooperative Council and Virginia 4-H. Allen believed in open communication, collaboration, and integrity.
He also believed in acts of service. He was a lifelong volunteer, always asking where he could help and lending support when he could. The same held true in his retirement as he assisted with church activities, feeding the homeless, escorting patients to and from their medical appointments through Let’s Go Services, preparing shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, and much more. Allen was a beacon of hope and encouragement to those he served and those who served alongside of him.
Allen will be remembered fondly for his good humor, devotion to church and family, leadership, and volunteerism.
A joyful celebration of Allen’s life will be held at Fairmount Christian Church in Mechanicsville, VA at 2pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023. Online condolences may be shared at affinityfuneralservice.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in support of either Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child or Bon Secours’ Hospice as detailed below.
Samaritan’s Purse – Operation Christmas Child: online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/allen-w-melton-mechanicsville-va/
Bon Secours’ Hospice: online at https://givebsmh.org/cause/richmond-va-hospice or mailed to: Bon Secours Richmond Health Care Foundation, 5855 Bremo Rd., Suite 100 Richmond, VA 23226. If desired, an in memoriam Ecard may be sent to the family at [email protected]
As a friend & neighbor of Allen, I am heartbroken,
but we give God thanks for a life well lived.
Allen was a strong servant of Christ & will be long remembered for his faithfulness & love for those he met.
I am personally thankful for his friendship & love for Christ & I will miss his presence in our neighborhood as he greeted me with love & enthusiasm each time I saw him.
My sincere condolences to Chad, Candith, & the entire family.
Al Burton
Chad, Candith & Family I want to extend my deepest sympathy in the passing of Allen. I am sure going to miss our phone calls. I worked for Allen twice in my career with Southern States. The first time was for about 18 months, and it didn’t go well. The 2nd time was for about 25 years, and I couldn’t have asked for a better supervisor. He was more than just the Bossman to me; he became a very good friend. Allen always showed his faith in God by starting every meeting at SS with a prayer. There wasn’t a week that didn’t go by that he and I didn’t talk on the phone and sometimes we talked more than once daily. After he retired someone tried to replace him but for me it was like going from the PENTHOUSE to the OUTHOUSE. It wasn’t the same anymore. Allen sure was proud of his Grandkids and Great Grandkids as he talked about them to me whenever we talked on the phone. I felt honored when he and Pam attended my retirement party in Kentucky. Chad I would have liked for you and Allen to have hiked the Grand Canyon with me and my son, Keny, but i know that wasn’t in the cards. I know how disappointed Allen was he couldn’t make that trip. Allen is in a better place now and joined back up with Pam. Rest in peace, BOSSMAN!!!!
You will be missed, Allen. Thank you for your leadership and mentorship in sharing the Lord’s Word. Until we meet again, God Bless and Semper Fidelis. ~ Josh Barrett
Dear Melton Family,
We have learned of the passing of our dear friend and dedicated supporter, Allen Melton. On behalf of HEART Ministries and our mission partners, please accept our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Allen’s commitment to HEART over the last five years has been remarkable. His generosity and compassion have touched the lives of countless individuals, especially in Haiti through our partner, Tabarre Christian Academy. With his contributions, he truly embodied the spirit of selflessness and love that HEART Ministries stands for.
While we mourn the loss of Allen, we also celebrate his legacy of kindness and his enduring impact on our mission. May you find comfort in the knowledge that his contributions have made a profound difference in the world and may God’s grace surround and console your family during this period of grief.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we ask for peace and strength for each of you as you navigate this challenging time.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Melinda Mdluli and Sam Massey,
HEART Ministries’ staff
Our heartfelt condolences to the entire Melton family. It was my pleasure to have known him.
I worked with Allen for many years at Southern States, and he was more than just a co-worker, he was a friend and a wonderful example. I greatly admired his dedication to taking care of Pam as she declined and I know how heartbroken she was when she passed away. He was such a kind, giving person and I know how much he will be missed. I’m very sorry will not be able to attend his celebration of life, but I will be thinking of you all at that time.
Allen hired me way back in 1997 to join his support team for Southern States Cooperative. I never regretted returning to SSC after leaving the prior year. His was my boss up until he retired and those were great years. He was one of the best bosses I had during my working years. As others have stated he was more than a boss, he was a friend. A friendship I will always be thankful for. We had actually talked just a couple of weeks earlier and were making plans for lunch during his next trip to Charlotte. I will certainly miss our talks but I know he is now pain free and reunited with Pam. Unfortunately I will be traveling and unable to attend memorial service but my prayers are with each of you. May the Lord comfort you during this time and in the days to come. We all are blessed to have had Allen in our lives.
Much love from the Bartlett’s in Galax.
So sorry to hear this. Allen was a good friend of mine at Southern States and he will be missed.
Allen gave a great example of how to live life. Service, courtesy, positivity, encouragement…and the list goes on. I miss being on the old SSC team with him.
To all the family we want to extend our deepest sympathy. Allen was a wonderful cousin and friend. He was a compassionate and caring person who served the Lord well. I am going to miss his sweet phone calls and his warm hugs when we were fortunate enough to see each other. He well be greatly missed. Even though I can’t be at his service, my heart and prayers are with you all. Take care.
Love,
Linda and Roger Burcham
Dear Melton Family,
I remember Allen and Pam so fondly. It was a true privilege to care for them. I will always remember his words of kindness and hope.
He is back with Pam now and so very happy.
all my love and warmest thoughts,
Dr Edmonson