Harry L. Melton, 91

LANCASTER -- Harry Lampley Melton died May 9, 2015, at his home in Lancaster. He was 91. Mr. Melton was born Aug. 6, 1923, in Albemarle, N.C., the son of Lester and Maiefield Melton. Soon after his birth, the family moved to Lancaster, where they joined First Baptist Church. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1941 and attended Mars Hill College before joining the Navy during World War II. He served aboard the destroyer escort U.S.S. Dennis in the South Pacific. After the war, he returned to Lancaster to work for Springs Mills as a cost accountant. He married Bernice Hance, a Lancaster schoolteacher, in 1949, and they raised three sons. He retired from Springs in 1985. He served his community in many ways, including as a trustee, deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist, a Cub Scout leader, an American Legion member and a volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels, the Lancaster County Council on Aging and the U.S. Census.

Mr. Melton is survived by his wife of 65 years, sons Hal (Roberta) Melton of Raleigh, Brian (Joy) Melton of Linville Falls, N.C., Richard Melton of Beaufort, sister Betty (Pat) Hance of Charlotte, grandchildren Keithan (Miranda) Melton of Nashville, Erin (Jeremy) Muller of Phoenix, Anna Melton of Asheville, N.C., great-grandson Thomas Melton of Nashville. He was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Melton.

Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist in Lancaster, with visitation at the church after the service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Home Care & Hospice of Lancaster, 901 W. Meeting St., Lancaster, S.C. 29720.

Funeral is 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Baptist in Lancaster, with visitation at the church after the service.