Charlie Lee Melton 73, of Palatka, entered the sunset of life on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital, Palatka. The son of James Melton, Sr. and Anna Elizabeth Julia (Douglas) Melton, he was born on Wednesday, July 19, 1950 in Palatka. He was educated in the Putnam County School District and attended Central Academy High School. Charlie was united in holy matrimony to the former Lillian Shevion Scott in Palatka, FL for over 12 years until she preceded him in eternal rest in 1988. Later in life, he found love again and was joined in holy matrimony to the former Gracie Brockington in Daytona Beach, FL.  Charlie became a father figure to many children. Elder Charlie was a lifelong faithful and active member of Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, serving under the leadership of Pastor Johnnie Shaw.  During the years there, he served as Sunday School Teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, devotional praise team leader with 'Voices of Pentecostal', served as an usher, sang in Pentecostal Men Chorus.  He was appointed as a Deacon and served until he married and relocated to Daytona Beach and became affiliated with Soul Refreshing Ministries, being ordained as an elder under the leadership of Pastor Allen Wilder. He was dedicated and faithful to God, the church, the leadership, and the members of the church. Upon the demise of his wife, he returned to his home church in Palatka.

He initially worked for PDM Bridge LLC (formerly Sheffield Steel) as a skilled master welder fabricating steel for over 40 years until his retirement.  Most would think of enjoying retirement; however, sitting down was not in his D.N.A. Elder Melton went on to become an entrepreneur by starting a lawn service for a number of years. He kept the church grounds and client's lawn beautified until he was no longer able. Elder Melton loved listening to gospel music, singing songs of worship to the Lord, fishing, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his loving wives, Lillian Melton and Gracie Melton; like a mother, Idella Watson; brothers, Oscar McCray, Sr., John Melton, Sr., Isiah Watson, Jesse Minor; and sister, Ethel Douglas.

He leaves to cherish precious memories: children, Conswayla Miner, Aquarius Moore, Cheyenne Melton, Charlie Melton, Jr.; children raised as his own, Tammie Smith, Chanelle Hill, Robert Hill (Kishmar); 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; siblings, Nathion Dixon, Dallis Douglas, Ellis Douglas, Gladys Miller, Annie Jo Dinkins, Rose Marie McCloud, and Regina Wilson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene Scott, Bobby Scott, Virgil Scott, Rogee Scott, Pastor Allen Wilder, Pamela Douglas, Kathy Melton, Alberta Douglas, and Ernestine Wilder; aunt, Louise Douglas, goddaughter, Cleasha Jenkins; devoted friends, Robert Sharp, and Marvin Knowles; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Visitation of family and friends will be 4-6 p.m., Friday, July 12 at "Flagg's Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m., Saturday, July 13 at Pentecostal Church of God in Christ, 624 North 9th Street, Palatka, Elder Johnnie Shaw, Pastor. Superintendent Antonio V. Ruth, Zion Temple Church of God in Christ, is the eulogist. Interment will follow in Oak Hill East Cemetery.