Timothy Rex Melton

Died: Oct. 4, 2012

Timothy Rex Melton, 54, of Doak Hensley Road, Afton, passed away Thursday evening at his home.

He was a painter and worked construction.

Tim was a free bird, kind hearted, and helped with several children that were not his own.

He served in the U.S. Army Reserve, 844th Infantry, for 22 years, which became his second family. He loved each one of them as a brother.

Tim was hard-working, fun-loving, and a die-hard Vols fan.

His family expressed a special thanks to the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Caris Heath Care for all their love and care.

While active, he was honored with many awards including: Veteran of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Army Lapel Button, Sharpshooter Badge, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and Drivers Badge with Comp Bar.

He has gone to be with his little brother, Marty Neal "Scrub" Melton; his papaw, "Dubu" Cannon; and his grandmother, LeRue Cannon.

Survivors include his wife: Tammy Renee Melton; his kids: Skyler Melton, Payton Ayers, and Chasta Ayers; his parents: Floyd "Cotton" and Carolyn Melton; a brother and sister-in-law: Wally and Leisa Melton; several nieces and nephews: April Hilton, Cody Melton, B.J. Melton, Jerritt Melton, Dakota Melton and their families; his special friends: the Blue family, the folks in the Union Temple community, David "Bones" Robinson, and Ronnie Baxter; special aunts and uncles: Jackie and Sandy Melton, Lannie and Linda Cannon, and Pat and Tilman Mitchell; and many special friends in Greeneville and Kingsport.

The family will receive friends from noon to 8 p.m. today at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home with the funeral service following at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.kiserrosehillfuneralhome.com.