Harry J. Melton Jr.

September 20, 1945 - April 30, 2022

Harry Jefferson Melton, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on April 30, 2022, following an illness of the past few months. Harry attended Newport Grammar School and Cocke County High School and went to work at Stokely Van Camp at age seventeen. When he retired from ConAgra, he had the second-most seniority at the local plant. He enjoyed his co-workers tremendously over the years. He loved "hanging out" at Knowles Market and talking about history, guns, and old movies with all he met. Harry was a Christian and said he "was ready to meet his Maker" as his health declined. Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Eloise Melton; his half-sisters, Tommie Samples and Ina Jane Kyker; his nephew and niece, Joe Samples and Janie Littleton; step-son, Kenny Murr; and sister in-law, Geraldine McMahan. He is survived by his wife, Faye Murr Melton and her daughters, Sharon (Terry) Smallwood and Debbie (Larry) Seaton. Harry is also survived by his nephew Tommy (Karen) Smith and their daughters Leta (Jason) Watson and Melina (Mark) Baird; niece, Lisa Caldwell and her children Lindsay (Jordan) Ratliff and Travis Caldwell; nephew Jeff Kyker; sisters-in-law, Letitia (Glenn) Malone and Kaye Steelman; and numerous friends, cousins, and other relatives. The family wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Smoky Mountain Hospice for their care of Harry over the past several months. The family is also grateful to the caregivers who made it possible for Harry to spend his last couple of months at home: Tammie Moore, Tammy Kyker, Debbie Nelson, Amanda Stuart, Damon "Andy" Dunkel, and Cassie McGhee. There will be a graveside service at the Melton plot in Union Cemetery at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, May 3, 2022. Smoky Mountain Hospice chaplain Danny Hill will officiate. Friends may go by Manes Funeral Home on Monday, May 2, 2022, to sign the condolence register or online at www.manesfuneralhome.com.. Manes Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.