He was born July 22, 1999, in Knoxville, TN to late Christopher Melton. In addition to his father, Tyler was preceded in death by his grandparents Wayne and Judy Melton, Uncle Jamie Melton.
“Today we gather to celebrate the life of Tyler. It’s never easy to put into words the love, laughter, and memories that someone so dear brought into our lives, but I will do my best to honor him the way he deserves.
From the very beginning, Tyler’s light was undeniable. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger. His smile could disarm anyone, and his laugh had a way of filling a room and lifting spirits.
Tyler was always known for being the wild child, full of energy and adventure, and Tyler matched that energy with his own unique spark. Together, they reminded us all what it means to live with joy and to embrace every moment as it comes.
Tyler had a heart that saw people—not just their faces, but their souls. He had this way of making you feel like you mattered, like you were important, even if you only met him once. That’s a rare gift, and it’s one that he carried so naturally.
We will remember Tyler for his courage, his laughter, and the love he freely gave to his family and friends. He taught us to never take life too seriously, to smile even when it’s hard, and to keep our hearts open to one another.
Though our hearts are heavy today, we also know that Tyler’s spirit lives on—in the stories we share, the laughter we remember, and the love we carry forward. May we honor him not only in words but in the way we live our lives: with kindness, with joy, and with the same fearless spirit he carried.
Rest easy, Tyler. You are deeply loved and will never be forgotten.”
Tyler is survived by his step father and mother Donnie and Nichole Shackleford, Stepmother Kristie Melton, grandparents Maybelline Hendrickson and Jerry (Karen) Napier, step grandparents Randy (Glenda) Thweatt his brothers Jacob (Sarah )Melton, Zach (Anna) Melton, Justin Napier, stepbrother Austin Shackleford, Dylan (Megan) Miracle, stepsisters Ladassa Shackleford, Haley (Bryan) Ligon, Uncles Bruce Napier, Steven Rosenbalm, Rodney (Melissa) Melton, nieces Lainey Melton, Chesney Melton, Eden Melton and with a host relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family will receive friends on Monday September 8, 2025, from 6 until 8 PM at Coffey Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Tuesday September 9, 2025, at 12 PM in the Coffey Funeral Home chapel. A graveside service will follow in the Greer Cemetery in New Tazewell.
Officiating: Rodney Melton
Singer: Terry Keck
Pallbearers: Jake Butler, Alex Welch, Will Collins, Michael Loggins, Dan Yoakum, Roderick Tucker
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change,
the ability to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference
