Dateline: Washington, NC

Walter Wayne Melton, affectionately known as Wayne, passed away peacefully at his home on April 28, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. He was born on February 23, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas to Oscar and Evelyn Melton.

Wayne was a man of many accomplishments throughout his life. At the age of 14, he achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Later, he followed his dream becoming a professional soldier and joined the United States Marine Corps at 16 years old. He eventually served his country in the US Army and became a Green Beret, volunteering for service in Vietnam in 1968. During his time in Vietnam, Wayne was part of the elite unit MAC-SOG (Military Assistance Command, Studies, and Observations Group). A highly classified US-led joint special operations task force, which ran missions behind enemy lines in Laos and Cambodia. Wayne was the recipient of the Bronze Star with Valor, because of his meritorious service in a combat zone and the Purple Heart.

After a distinguished military career, Wayne retired from the Army in 1978 from Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, and returned home to his home state of Texas with his family, settling in Irving. However, he longed for a slower pace of life and eventually relocated to Washington, North Carolina. Wayne worked at Hamilton Beach before retiring as a personnel manager at Singer Furniture Company. Wayne refused to slow down even after retiring and continued to seek excitement and adventure. He attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at Beaufort Community College and joined the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office in 1996, serving as an Investigator. He remained a dedicated member of the force until his declining health, caused by his ongoing battle with Multiple Sclerosis, forced him to retire.

Wayne will always be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who touched the lives of everyone he met. His unwavering dedication to his country, community and family will never be forgotten. The family would like to give a special thankyou for your kindness and assistance to caregivers Turk and Justyce.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, whom he married on January 16, 1999, Karen Melton, of Washington, North Carolina. He is also survived by his sons Andrew "Tex" Melton of Washington, NC, Tim C. Melton and his wife Lori of Washington, NC, and Ted T. Melton and his wife Shelley of Concord, NC. Wayne's grandchildren include Brandis Nicole Cherry and her husband Travis of Washington, NC, Tyler Kane Melton and his wife Paulina of Alameda, California, Elliot Melton of Washington, NC, Drake Melton of Washington, NC, and Ethan S. Melton of Concord, NC. Additionally, Wayne was survived by two great grandchildren, Ainsley and Daisy Cherry of Washington, NC, and his sister Sandy Melton Harrell of Wichita Falls, Texas. His dogs Rio and Josie. Wayne was preceded in death by dogs Bailey and Cody and cat Milo.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 12:00PM at the home on 729 W. 2nd Street, Washington, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Special Forces Association

Online condolences may be directed to www.walkerfh.net

Walker Funeral Home of Williamston is serving the Melton family.