of Marion, AR

March 21, 1953 - May 27, 2025

Robert ''Buddy'' Guy Melton, 72, passed away on May 27, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved and fiercely supported. After a long and courageous journey, he lost his third battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, service, and selfless love to the very end.

Buddy was born in Turrell, Arkansas, the youngest of five sisters and the final child to be born. Named after his father, he earned the nickname ''Buddy'' because he was his daddy's little buddy and his sisters' pride and joy. With five older sisters, he was the last child to be born.

He attended West Memphis High School and went to various technical schools. Later he built a respected career as an Instrumentation Technician in local chemical plants, casinos, factories, and breweries - always keeping complex machinery and systems running smoothly.

But his greatest accomplishment was never in those titles or tasks. It was in showing up however he needed, day in and day out, for the people he loved. He never asked for recognition, but quietly and consistently ensured that his family had everything they needed. Whether it meant working 12+ hour shifts or giving up his own comforts, he lived his life with others in mind, placing his family's future before his own.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Artie Holmes Melton and Robert Guy Melton; his son, Billy McCleskey; and his sisters Rulene Holt and Yvonne Watson.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Melton, and the family they built together: Keri Larese and Kay Ryan, his stepdaughters whom he supported and raised with unwavering commitment; his granddaughter, Cori McCleskey, whom he raised like a daughter; and his grandchildren Madison, Grace, Megan, Mabry, and Cody. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren: Emberlyn, Annalee, and Daylen, and his dearly loved sisters Christine Paigen, Juaniece Ammons, and Lynda Gatlin.

Buddy's devotion extended far beyond the walls of his home. He was a committed Christian who often said that Jesus walked beside him. Even in his hardest battles, he never wavered in his faith, walking through pain with the firm belief that Jesus walked right beside him. He was a longtime member of both Rosewood United Methodist Church and Marion United Methodist Church, where he found fellowship, peace, and purpose in community worship. We now trust he walks fully in peace.

He gave back through service in the VFW and the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles, where he was a proud member. He especially loved helping families in need during then holidays. He loved long drives, fishing trips, lakeside afternoons, tinkering on computers, and listening to jazz and blues, which sometimes meant clearing out a room when playing one of his favorite 15-minute jazz songs on the jukebox.

He had a sweet tooth, a stubborn streak, and a love for banana milkshakes, Razorback football, and quiet moments on the water. His last meal was a classic Buddy favorite: a corn dog and a banana milkshake.

He was a man of few but meaningful words, and the kind of person who taught others how to be stubbornly resilient. His go-to advice: ''Don't do anything I wouldn't do.'' His life was a masterclass in love in action - sacrificing much so those around him could live happier and dream bigger.

Special thanks to the doctors at Baptist East, Gentiva Hospice, and the teams at the VFW and American Legion for their care and companionship in his final weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in his honor.

His legacy lives on in every act of kindness we offer, every dream we chase with courage, and every time we show up, for ourselves, or someone we love. Just as Buddy always did.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
201 North Pine Street
West Memphis, AR  72303
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com