July 12, 1960 – July 12, 2017

NATCHEZ — Services for Hiram “Popa” Melton, 56, of Natchez, who died Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at Franklin County Memorial Hospital in Meadville, will be 11 a.m. Sunday at New Hope Baptist Church in Cranfield with the Rev. Kirt Wilson officiating.

Burial will follow at the church cemetery under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. until service time Sunday, all at the church.

Mr. Melton was born July 12, 1960, in Natchez, the son of James Lea Melton and Hotense Melton.

His family felt he was the greatest man they ever knew. He went from working on a tugboat to working in the oil field for more than 25 years, and retired from owning his own oil field business. He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. He would have given the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Mr. Melton was preceded in death by one daughter, Amanda McElroy; his parents; one brother, James Melton Jr.; father and mother-in-law; and one sister-in-law.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Melton; two sons, TJ McElroy and companion, Alexis Neal, and Bill Nations; four daughters, Stephanie Bowman and fiancé, Ryan Nickles, Laura Carithers and husband, Josey, and Misty and Rebecca Nations;  two sisters, Pat Wright and husband, Bobby, and Helen Nations; four brothers, Robert Melton and wife, Edna, James Melton and wife, Mary, Lee Melton and wife, Connie, and Tommy McElroy and wife, Diane; and 12 grandchildren, Lilman and Morgan McElroy, Dean Edwards, Catlin Carithers, Mandalynn, Carolyn and Tommy Gene McCoy, Charlie and McKenzie Murphy, Emily Dean, Jayden Harper and Bella Harris.

Pallbearers will be Thomas McGinty, Bo Dixon, Chester Coleman, Tommy McElroy Sr., Jeffrey Adams, Josey Carithers, Boo Gossett, TJ McElroy, Bill Nations, Dusty Floyd, Ryan Nickles, Beau Melton, Boyd Melton and John McCready.

His hardworking hands are finally resting.