Richard Daffan Melton, 78, of Forest Acres, SC, died Saturday, June 24, 2023. Richard was the son of the late John Henry and Irene Melton. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Melton, Susie Smith, and Mary Hagood; his brothers, Lonnie Melton, Walter Melton, and John "Junior" Melton; and his daughter's fiancé, Irvin Moore-Charley.

Richard Melton is survived by his children, Shirley Melton, Steven Melton (Rhodora), and Nancy Christine Thorwart (Richard); his grandchildren, Irvin Hamilton-Richard-Charley, beloved and known to his grandfather as "Pumkin" 'Sweet Pea" and "Bubba Two Times", Janelle Christine Melton, John Christopher Melton, Christian Thorwart (Megan), Michael Thorwart, and Marie Louise Erdinger (Toby); and his great grandchildren, Sophia Thorwart, Leana-Aliya Thorwart, and Ryle Relvianne.

Richard D. Melton was known as a good and generous person. He would give his last dollar to someone who needed it more than him. He attended Gethsemane Lutheran Church. Richard began his working life picking cotton for Mr. Claude Bundrick in Blythewood. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1965 and served for two years before being honorably discharged. During his time in the Army, Richard was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and Expert Rifleman Badge. He later worked as an auto mechanic and briefly owned his own auto shop. After suffering injuries from an automobile accident in 1992, he sold newspapers and phone books and later worked for a Job Corps Rehabilitation Center.

Richard enjoyed many hobbies. Some of which included fishing, woodworking, wine making, tinkering with electronics, bowling, mini golf, and his favorite, entering Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

His family would like to thank the staff at PruittHealth- Columbia for the care they showed Richard in his last two years.

The funeral service for Richard D. Melton will be held at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 12 o'clock. Visitation will begin at 11 o'clock prior to the service. Burial will take place at FT Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd., Columbia, SC, at 2 o'clock following the service.