Carey Bardin Melton

FLORENCE - Carey Bardin Melton, 96, died Wednesday evening, September 16, 2015, at The Heritage Home of Florence. He had been in declining health for over a year.

Born in the Antioch community of Darlington County, Mr. Melton was the son of the late Jessie T. and Ethel Revell Melton. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gena James Melton, his brother and six sisters. Mr. Melton is survived by a nephew, Myron (Denise) Wheeler, of Mullins, SC, two nieces, Wanda (Jeff) Scharstein of Darlington, SC, and Linda Cook of Asheville, NC, and numerous cousins.

In his early years, Mr. Melton played baseball for Campbell University and for a semi-pro team. He was drafted into the U. S. Army and served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He had numerous stories to tell his family upon his return home and during his entire lifetime, including the fact that he unexpectedly encountered his uncle, a fellow soldier, in the Phillipines. He worked for Armour Dial Company for over 30 years. Mr. Melton was very active in his church, Central United Methodist, for over 60 years. He was a charter member of the Florence Breakfast Optimist Club, where he served as President, was a faithful Christmas tree lot worker during the holidays, and was recognized by the S.C. District of Optimist International as Outstanding Lt. Governor during his 1985-86 term.

Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2015, at Central United Methodist Church, conducted by The Rev. Will Malambri. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 87, Florence, SC 29503; or Gideons International at gideons.org.

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