O'Neal Melton

James O’Neal Melton passed away on February 13, 2023 at the age of 99 in Camden, TN with his loving wife, Lura Dean Melton, at his side.

O’Neal was born on December 13, 1923 and attended school in Benton County. In 1946, he went into the trucking business. On October 25, 1947, he married Lura Dean Melton. He later founded and was President of O’Neal Melton & Sons, Inc., a trucking company he operated with his sons which is still in operation today. For over 75 years, the company thrived under his leadership, delivering sand and other materials throughout the country.

O’Neal’s service to the Lord and his family and his love for Christ and others is his biggest legacy. A devout Christian and family man, his life and influence reached so many. O’Neal was saved while driving his truck in 1950 and soon thereafter joined Sandy Point General Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. He was called to the ministry on January 1, 1954.  He served as an ordained Minister until his retirement in 1977, pastoring at Unity GB Church in Dresden, TN, Shady Grove GB Church in Martin, TN, Beech Grove GB Church in Dyersburg, TN, Shiloh GB Church in Bradford, TN, and Siloam GB Church in Dresden, TN.  After his retirement, he continued to serve the Lord, filling in for other pastors and preaching the word of God whenever he could.

He was preceded in death by his Father, Johnny Algie Melton, his Mother, Susie Bealie Bond, Brother John William Melton, Sister Thelma Furr, Sister Willa Mae Haskins, Sister Margaret Watson, and Grandson Steven Ryan Hollowell.  He is survived by his Wife Lura Dean Melton, Sister Mary Jo Holland, Son Jerry Melton (Deborah), Son Michael Melton (Sheila), Daughter Debbie Larkins (Terry), Daughter Annette Hollowell (Steve), Grandchildren Tracy Meyer, Bryan Larkins, Erin (Melton) Shea, Adam Hollowell, Matthew Melton, Alan Hollowell, Bethany (Hollowell) Ulderich, Lena (Larkins) Richardson, Clay Melton, Step-Grandchildren Crystal Hastings and Alexis Hastings, and 14 Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 from 10:00-2:00 pm at Sandy Point General Baptist Church in Camden, TN.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 2 PM at Sandy Point General Baptist Church with Bro. David Gargus officiating. Burial will follow in Sandy Point Cemetery in Camden, TN.