Joseph William Melton, 71, of Hillsville, Va. is now in the eternal presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his home. He was born in Woodlawn, Va. on March 10, 1945 to the late Glen Wallace Melton and Margie Etheleen Farmer Melton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers: Dyer Melton, Harley Melton, Carroll Melton, Kenneth Melton, and Dale Melton; one sister, Geneva M. Quesenberry. Also preceding him was his beloved Border Collie, Ridgeview Holly.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years and 7 months, Helen Carole Edwards Melton; special sister-in-law Charlotte Ann Edwards; brothers and spouses, Virgil and Sue Melton and Herman and Shirley Melton; sisters and spouses, Juanita and Freddie Weddle, Reva and Norman Nester, Marie and Howard Dalton, and Fay and Jerry Snavely; also, his beloved dog, Ginger. Several nieces and nephews also survive, as well as numerous friends and his church family.

Joe was a thirty-eight year active member of Dalton Hill Christian Church, serving as elder, deacon, and trustee. Before retirement in 2007, he worked for the Carroll County Public Schools Maintenance Department for twenty-five years. After retirement he became a full-time farmer on Ridgeview, the family farm.

Joe was hardworking and compassionate, giving generously to others with his time, many skills, and craftsmanship. He took pride in his church, family, work, farm, and cattle, striving for excellence in all he did.

Funeral services will be conducted at Dalton Hill Christian Church Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor James Jordan and Pastor Jason Simpkins officiating. Burial will follow in the Melton Cemetery, located off Mt. Zion Road in Woodlawn, Va. The family will receive friends at Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel, Hillsville on Friday, February 24, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. Pallbearers will be Virgil Melton, Herman Melton, Ivan Edwards, David Burnette, Robbie Lineberry, and Dempsey Goad. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Melton Cemetery, 114 Scenic View Drive, Hillsville, Va. 24343. Any food contributions can be left at Dalton Hill Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 209 Coon Ridge Road, Hillsville, Va. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the Melton family.