Willie “Shorty” Melson was born on February 11, 1950 to the late Mary Lee Jackson Melson and Robert (Bob) Melson. Shorty attended Ethel W. Kight High School. Willie Shorty Melson was a loving, generous, dedicated, kind-hearted, humble, well-known person who loved his family, friends and everyone.

On July 22, 1972, he married the love of his life, Ruby Pearl Rhodes Melson and the loving couple have three children. He joined Wadley Chapel at an early age. Shorty was employed for the City of Hogansville for twenty-two years. He was also employed at A.C.I. Construction of Atlanta, Georgia for seven years where he retired. Willie departed his life on December 27, 2015 at West Georgia Medical Center. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Jean Melson and Hattie Mae Dawson; his brother, Bobby W. Cook.

Shorty leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife Ruby of 43 years; three children, Kelly Melson, Teresa (Cedric) Martin, Shekal Melson; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; two devoted brothers, Charlie Melson and O. B. (Rozell) Melson; precious nephews and nieces, Lamar Philpot, Kelvin Melson, Gloria (Leroy) Rhodes, Cynthia Melson, Shelia Melson, Tamika (Troy) Ramchand; five sister-in-laws; four brother-in-laws; and a host of relatives and friends.