William "Big Bill" Melton Sr.

William Carl Melton Sr., a cherished resident of Plainville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30th, 2026, at the age of 76. Born on February 24th, 1949, in Sawyer, Oklahoma, William led a life marked by love, service, and passion.

A devoted husband, William is survived by his beloved spouse of 56 years, Brenda Melton. Together, they built a family that brought immense joy and pride. He leaves behind his children, William Carl Melton Jr. (Malissa), Christopher Wayne Melton, and Jessica Marie Melton. His legacy continues through his grandchildren, Cody Melton (Brooke), Hope Wolff (Caleb), Misty Carder (Kory), Christy Newberry (Kenneth), Bryan Wood (Cheyenne), Bryson Melton, Breanna Melton, and Ethan Newberry, as well as his great-grandchildren Cayden Melton, Carson Melton, Caullin Melton, Caroline Melton, Cohen Melton, Noah Wolff, Sophia Wolff, Olivia Wolff, River Carder, Abrlynne Newberry, Ken Newberry, Lukas Wood, and Bodi Wood. William is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and siblings Melvin Rainwater (Faith), Judy Rattigan (Mike), Shirley Tubman (Preston), and his brother-in-law Kenny Simmons.

Preceding him in death were his mother, Opal Pauline Hill Melton, step-father Robert Rainwater II, sisters Linda Voss (James Sr.), Sandra Crawford (Jerry), Betty Simmons, brother Robert Rainwater III; and great grandson, Greyson Wood.

William proudly served his country in the United States Army, a testament to his dedication and honor. Outside of his military service, he was a man of diverse interests, which included beekeeping, hunting, fishing, and gardening. These activities not only brought him joy but also left lasting memories for those who shared these experiences with him.

Funeral services to celebrate William's life will be held at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cartersville, Georgia, on Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Following the service, William will be laid to rest at Sunset Memory Gardens. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers will be William Carl Melton Jr., Chris Melton, Cody Melton, Kory Carder, Kenneth Newberry, Ethan Newberry, Caleb Wolff, and Bryan Wood. Honorary pallbearers will include William's cherished great-grandchildren Cayden Melton, Carson Melton, Caullin Melton, Caroline Melton, Cohen Melton, Noah Wolff, Sophia Wolff, Olivia Wolff, River Carder, Abrlynne Newberry, Ken Newberry, Lukas Wood, and Bodi Wood.

Arrangements are under the compassionate care of Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

William will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the love he shared and the memories he created with family and friends.