T L Melson

Our beloved T. L. Melson, at the age of 94 years old, passed away on Tuesday April 14, 2026.

T. L. was born in Talbot County, Georgia on November 17, 1931, to the late Charlie Gaines Melson and Charlie Mae Melson. He joined St. Paul CME Church at an early age and served on Usher Board #1 for several years. He briefly attended St. Paul School, but left school to help his family on the farm.

In 1956, he met Bessie Richardson, and in this relationship one child was born, Christine Richardson. On December 23, 1962, he married Wille Beatrice Carter and to this union two children were born, Tommy Gregory Melson, and Jacquelyn Denise Melson.

He was employed at several companies, including Jordan Bridge Company (where he was instrumental in building the bridge in front of Stone Mountain Park), the Coca-Cola Company, and Milliken & Company Textiles. He was also an avid hunter, who was a trusted guide for the Flint River Coonhunters Club during several of their championship hunts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Willie Beatrice Melson, and his three sisters: Maggie Mae Love (John), Earline Copeland (Clyde), and Mattie Lou Holmes (Elder).

He leaves behind in mourning three children: Christine Ross (Kevin), Tommy Melson (Belinda) and Jacquelyn Hardnett (Gary), seven grandchildren: Shnicka Richardson, LaSherrion Richardson, Banesha Babers (Terrell), Aaron Hardnett, Ahna Hardnett, Jairus Childs, and Asia Childs, five great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Although he called all his nieces his favorite niece, Patricia Ann Gaskins, a cherished niece-in-law that lived with him and his wife in the early years of their marriage, has always remained faithful to him throughout the years.