Talbert Hollis Melton

Talbert Hollis Melton, 80, went to his heavenly home on August 13, 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson's. His devotion to and from his family, and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and gave him peace. Talbert was born to the late William Horace and Gladys Lee (Sheffield) Melton, in Broxton, GA on May 2, 1936. Through his parents’ example of faith, family and hard work, Christian values would become the foundation of his life from an early age. He actively served and worshiped with McLeod Memorial Presbyterian in Bartow, and Covenant Presbyterian and New Hope Presbyterian in Ft Myers. Talbert joined the Florida Department of Transportation at age 19, advancing in rank; serving Polk, Lee, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties. He retired after 45 years with a reputation of reliability and integrity. Talbert was blessed with a heart for the Lord. He was loving, kind, helpful, and soft-spoken. He is dearly missed by his loved ones. Talbert is survived by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn; his daughters Jan Brangaccio (David) and Pamela Coyne; his son Timothy Melton (Jennifer); his grandchildren Lindsey Brangaccio, David Talbert Brangaccio, Nicholas Brangaccio, Erin Eckenrode (Troy), Emily Coyne, Timothy Melton Jr, Tristan Hinkle, Hannah Melton, and Hayden Melton; his great-grandchildren Ashlynne and Gunther Eckenrode; his brothers H.L. Melton (Wanda), C.C. Melton (Pat), and Rick Melton (Kim); and sister Betty Binder. He is preceded in death by his sister, Jeanette Matthews; and his parents William Horace and Gladys Lee Melton. Viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Friday, August 19th at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home in Bartow, FL. The memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 20th at McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church; burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. An additional memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 27th at New Hope Presbyterian in Ft. Myers, FL. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully suggests supporting Hope Hospice of Lee County, or McLeod Memorial, Covenant or New Hope Presbyterian churches.