Mr. Willie Lewis Melton, the son of the late George and Annie Gunn Melton was born May 5, 1937 in Chambers County, AL. He departed this life and entered eternal rest on June 14, 2015 at Lanier Hospital, Valley AL.
Willie Lewis accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the Pilgrim Baptist Church at an early age under the leadership of Rev. O.D. Slaughter. As a young man, he enjoyed singing in the church choir.
“Will Lewis” as he was called by many, was a product of Lanier High School where he was a member of the 1956 graduating class.
After graduating high school, Will Lewis moved to South Carolina and eventually made his home in Detroit, MI for over 20 years. While living in Detroit, he was a deacon at St. Phillip’s M.B.C. and a member of the church choir.
Upon relocating back to his home town of Lanett, AL, Will Lewis rejoined the Pilgrim Baptist. He was ordained a deacon under the leadership of Rev. Frank Kennedy Jr. and served as class secretary for the Kingdom Seeker Sunday School Class. He loved his pastor, church members, and serving the Lord.
He worked as a custodian for West Point Stevens in West Point, GA and for Southeastern Cleaners for Intercall in Valley, AL until he retired.
Some of Will Lewis many gifts were making people laugh, cooking, taking care of his great-great niece and nephews, and bringing joy to his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, a sister, Catherine Strong; a brother, Otis Melton; sister- in- law, Corine Melton; brother- in-law, Horace Tibbs; nieces, Aries Sands and Sandra Autry; nephews, William Darden , Barnard Melton, and Frank Strong Jr. preceded him in death.
He leaves to cherish his memories four sisters, Dorothy Melton, Emma Kate Eli, Edith Melton, Lanett, AL; Annie Ruth Tibbs, Seattle, WA; a brother, George (Mary) Melton, Lanett, AL; a special cousin, Melissa Luck, Atlanta, GA; two nieces that were his care takers, Sylvia Sands, Lanett, AL; and Carrie Thomas, Lanett, AL; adopted niece, Michelle Magby; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss his sense of humor, kind heart, and laughter.