William Douglass Melton

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Service Schedule
Memorial Service
Church of Central Arkansas
675 Dave Ward Dr Ste 101
Conway, AR  72032
Saturday, September 24, 2022
10:00AM
I served in the Army.

William Douglass MeltonI am a Veteran.

of Conway, AR

May 27, 1940 - September 19, 2022

William Douglass Melton, known as Bill to all who loved him, was born May 27, 1940 in Monticello, Arkansas to Irene Hart and James Terrell Melton. He went home to the arms of Jesus on September 19, 2022 after a long and amazing life. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Edith Anne Ashcraft and Norma Jean Cook.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Janie Tanner Melton; his five children, Andrea (Robert) Moore, Bryan (Glenda) Melton, Amy (Allan) Downs, Stacey Seymour and Lisa (Bradley) Harmon; his eleven grandchildren, Emyle Moore, Kelsey Moore, Greg (Kristen) McDonald, Joshua (Stephanie) Melton, Lindsey Downs, Matthew Downs, Jasmine Swafford, Elyessa Melton, Jacob Melton, Noelle Harmon and Evan Harmon; three great-grandchildren; his brother, Neal (Jeannie) Hewitt and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He is also survived by his and Janie's two sweet and spoiled dogs, Penny and Maggie.

Bill served in the National Guard and US Army. He later attended Arkansas State Teachers' College, where he competed on the track team as a hurdler. He won numerous medals and set state records during his track career. Bill was also a Master Mason in the society of Freemasons.

Bill served the US Government during his 38-year career with the Department of Housing and Urban Development. One of the highlights of his career was his work in Alaska and Oklahoma with Native American Programs. He was able to visit many villages and reservations and enjoyed participating in local customs. He became a collector of artwork and crafts handmade by the communities he served.

Bill and Janie lived in Oklahoma for 17 years, where they owned Bill's dream property, a 160-acre ranch, complete with beef cattle and quarter horses. His grandchildren spent many happy summers there playing outside, fishing and hunting for ghosts.

Bill loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting. He even had the opportunity to go moose and bear hunting while living in Alaska. He enjoyed woodworking, especially carving ornate, beautiful canes that he would happily give to anyone who asked. He was a very generous soul and would give someone the shirt off his back if they needed it. Bill never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with someone anywhere he went.

Bill loved naming his vehicles, but his favorite was his white truck named George. He told lots of stories, most of which were only slightly embellished. He enjoyed arguing and would spark a debate with anyone who would participate. He had a stubborn streak a mile wide, but also found humor in almost every situation. He made up silly songs that he sang with his grandkids like ''It Only Hurts for a Little While'' and ''Snotty Bubbles''. He loved old westerns, Louis Lamour books and country-western music.

Bill gave the tightest bear hugs. He loved his family with his whole heart and his greatest joy in life was spending time with them. He was loved by all and will be forever missed by all.

In lieu of flowers, Bill's family requests that a donation be made in his name to the Alzheimer's Association. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Hospice Home Care for the loving care and support provided. We also thank Tara Goodrich and Church of Central Arkansas, Greg Thompson and the many precious friends and neighbors who have surrounded us during this difficult time.

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29 Condolence(s)
Marcia Fredman
Apache Junction, AZ
Liked
Thursday, October 13, 2022

Janie, we're so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. What a great guy, wonderful friend. He helped us build a pen in our Oklahoma barn for Becky's show pig. We were just talking about that recently. Please know that we care for you and offer prayers for Bill.

Ronda Backus
Surprise, AZ
Liked
Saturday, September 24, 2022

Aunt Janie,
We are praying for you and your family during this difficult time. I will miss those back porch visits.
Love you,
Ronda and Scott Backus

Carol Beranek
Edmond, OK
Liked
Friday, September 23, 2022

I am so shocked and saddened by reading about Bill’s death! God’s comfort to you Janie and the entire family! I do remember those “bear hugs”! Bill was a gem and gentleman!

Muriel Sue Kerr
Alexandria, VA
Liked
Friday, September 23, 2022

Janie, we are deeply sharing the grief of your loss. Bill was an amazing man, leader, veteran and friend. I loved talking with him; his calm, cool, soft voice was so engaging. His smile and laugh made the room light up. Janie, please hug the girls for us and remember that one person CAN make a difference. A life admired. In memory and love, Muriel Sue and Anna

Karen Bedford
Vero Beach, FL
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Bill was one of a kind and I mean that in the best if ways! I also have experienced his famous bear hug and it is genuine…. He wii be missed by all. RIP Bill . Love, thoughts, prayers and huges to Janie and the family

Tina Partain & Family
Chapel Hill, NC
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

We are thinking of you and praying for peace and comfort in this difficult time. Love you.
Tina, Chris and boys

James, Cindy, and Jamie Casey
Ward, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

So sorry for your loss Janie. Mom won't be able to attend the memorial service due to her health but you and your family are definitly in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Jamie

Naomi Wyllia
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

My condolences to all the family. I’m very sorry for your loss. I’m glad I took care of Bill for the little bit I did. He was very sweet and kind. I will miss him for sure. With all my love, love Naomi Hospice Home Care CNA

Joe Chicoraske
Oklahoma City, OK
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Rest in peace Bill

Lori Davis
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Love you Andrea, big big hugs.

Shannon Jones
Midwest City, OK
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Rest in peace, Bill.

Prayers, condolences, and best wishes.

Teresa Sprinkles Cook
Choctaw, OK
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

I’m so sorry for your loss Janie. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Bill was a wonderful man and I’m so blessed to have known him.

Gerrie B Norton
Ardmore, OK
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

I am truly sorry to hear of Bill's passing, Janie please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Judith Rivenbark
Vero Beach, FL
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Dear Janie,
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss

Hope Riggs
Guthrie, OK
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

I’m profoundly saddened to hear of your loss. As I read about his life, each comment rang so true. Bill was just the kindest person, so friendly and funny. You are in my prayers.
Love, Hope Davenport Riggs

Cheryl Rooney
Vero Beach, FL
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Janie, am so sorry for your the loss of your beloved husband. May you find abundant comfort in knowing he is in the Arms of Jesus. Hugs!!

George Donald Rooney
Vero Beach, FL
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Janie; I am so sorry for your loss

DANIEL BROOKS
VERO BEACH, FL
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

So sorry Janie. You and Bill had a wonderful life and family. May you relish that life forever. R.I.P., Bill

Valerie Larsen
Westminster, CO
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

My thoughts and prayers to you Janie and your beloved family at this time. My prayers to Bill’s journey to heaven and to have the comfort in Jesus arms.

Neal and Jeanie Hewitt
Sandpoint, ID
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

Rest in peace in Heaven, Brother. Your brother, Neal and Sister-in-law, Jeanie. Our love and prayers to Janie and family

Mary Ellen Kordsmeier
Morrilton, AR
Liked
Thursday, September 22, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. Mr. Melton was a great neighbor and will be missed. We are all here for you, Janie. We love you.

Sonja Key
Oklahoma City, OK
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

My heart is so saddened by the loss of Bill. He was such a wonderful man and I loved him dearly. My love and prayers to you Janie and all the family. He definitely was a huge part of my life and will be so missed. ❤️🙏🏻❤️

Sherri Coleman
Oklahoma City, OK
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Praying for your family. I love you. ❤️

Michelle Churchill
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Mr. Bill was near and dear to our hearts at the clinic. No matter how bad he felt he always had a smile and a hug for us. He and Janie are loved by us all and he will be greatly missed by me and all of us at the office. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and always looked on the bright side. I am a better person for having known him, and grateful to have been a part of his care. All our love and prayers to the Meltons. We love you, Michelle - Freeman Family Medicine.

Bill Carmichael
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

I will miss my friend Bill, as I daily miss our common friend Dick. We are old and we are all leaving soon. Bill, I appreciated every minute I spent with you. Thank you for the help you gave me and the times we had. I pray for your eternal peace.

Missy Narkates
Vincent, AL
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Praying for peace that surpasses all understanding. May God wrap you close to Him during this difficult time.

Lisa Littleton
Holly Springs, NC
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

May the Lord bless and keep you all. Much love to all of you.

Danny Kordsmeier
Conway, AR
Liked
Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Mr. Melton was a wonderful man to know as well as a great neighbor .he will be missed. Praying for the family and please call me if there's anything I can do to help .

Kathy Pennington
Conway, AR
Liked
Tuesday, September 20, 2022

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. I know you will draw strength from each other and provide loving support for your Mom. Please reach out if there is anything I can do to help ease your burden. Know that Bill is at peace and free from his pain.