James (Jay) E. Melton , age 69, of Bartlett, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2018, surrounded by his family after a brave battle with cancer.  He was the husband of Nancy Cocke Melton.  They shared 47 years of marriage together.

Born on April 17, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, Jay was the son of Dorothy Hayes Richardson and Robert Ralph.  He graduated from Southfield High School in Southfield, Michigan, in 1966.  Jay was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966-1969, serving as a helicopter crew chief.  Following his years of service, he worked in the printing industry as a lithographer.  In the last few years, Jay has enjoyed his time serving as a starter at The Links at Galloway.

Jay was a member of Ellendale United Methodist Church where he served on the Board of Trustees.  He was always willing to do anything he could to help others.  He enjoyed fishing and golfing, but Jay's greatest joy was spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cocke Melton; his daughter, Elizabeth Melton Darke (Paul); his five grandchildren, Anne Marie Darke, Ellyn Darke, James Melton, Haleigh Melton and Madison Melton; his brothers, Robert Ralph (Alexis), Brian Ralph (Mary Ann) and Wayne Ralph (Tammy); and several nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his son, Robby Melton and his brother, Charles Ralph.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2018, at 11:00am at Ellendale United Methodist Church, 7217 Centralia in Ellendale, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.