Cornelius "Neil" Cunningham Melton

Cornelius “Neil” Cunningham Melton, 91, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2021 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. A devout Christian, husband, father, and grandfather; Neil was steadfast in his commitment to faith and family. He also enjoyed singing, gardening, and fishing.

Neil was born in Jacksonville, Florida on September 13, 1929 to the late Elzie Alonzo Melton and Pearl Bryan Melton. He graduated from Lee High School and Jones Business College before embarking on a lifelong career with Equitable Life Assurance Society. Neil proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a loyal member of Faith Memorial Baptist Church, serving in many diverse roles including Sunday school teacher and choir member.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Buddy Melton, sister Donna Melton Duke, and daughter Karen Melton White.

Neil is survived by his wife of 61 years, Vera Smith Melton; sister Gloria Melton Brown; son David Neil Melton; daughter Kathy Melton Monroe; five grandchildren (Brandon and Jeremy White, David Melton Jr, Dylan and Jaclyn Monroe) and two great-grandsons (Sammy Melton and Jamey White).

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home. Neil’s grandson, David Neil Melton Jr., will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Baker County at 1 pm. Pallbearers include Dylan Monroe, David A Taylor Jr., David A Taylor III, Harry Massey, Brandon White and Devon Smith.

The family would like to thank VA services and the many healthcare professionals from America InHome and VITAS Healthcare for their loving care during Neil’s extended illness.