William Melton Barksdale

Sylvania –William Melton Barksdale, age 78, passed away on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Candler Hospital in Savannah, GA, while recovering from surgery. Melton was born on December 18, 1939, in Worth County, GA to Joseph Olan & Hazel Ford Barksdale.

Melton had lived in Screven County for the past twenty years since his marriage to Susan Simmons Ragains Barksdale. They were introduced by his brother, Don, and his sister-in-law, Kay Barksdale, who are residents of Sylvania.

Melton graduated from Sylvester High School in 1957. Afterwards he attended Berry College, Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College and graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Forestry. Melton put himself through college by doing various jobs including being a barber. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 31 years and worked in AL, FL, GA, LA, MS and NC. He also fought forest fires all over the western United States. Melton was appointed the head ranger at the Tombigbee National Forest in Ackerman, MS. While in Ackerman, he coached baseball and taught Sunday School at a Baptist Church.

An expert fisherman and hunter, Melton liked almost all sports, especially any team of the Georgia Bulldogs. He was handy and could fix almost any equipment. Melton enjoyed raising vegetables in his garden, cooking, barbecue, and he loved cats and dogs. He was always happy, had a wonderful disposition and will be sorely missed.

Melton was a member of the First Methodist Church of Sylvania. He is survived by his wife, Susan Simmons Ragains Barksdale; former wife, Mary Lucille Bailey Barksdale; sons, John Melton Barksdale (Denese) and Joel Douglas Barksdale; grandsons, Bailey (Sarah Elizabeth), Brantley Barksdale and Cody Barksdale; granddaughter, Vivian Barksdale; brother, James Donald Barksdale (Kay); sister, Joan Latrelle Brooks; step-daughter, Meredith Ragains (Dara Merlin); step-son, Stephen Ragains (Suzanne), and their sons, Luke and Jack; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation: Friday, January 26, 2018 at 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Sylvania First United Methodist Church with Rev. Ricky Varnell and Rev. Sonny Mason officiating. Burial following at Screven County Memorial Cemetery.

Remembrances: FOSCA, P O Box 98, Sylvania, GA 30467.

Thompson-Strickland-Waters Funeral Home in charge of all arrangements. www.thompsonstricklandwaters.com