Donald Ray Melton, Sr.,78, beloved husband of Gloria Andrews Melton, of Sneads Ferry, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023 in Onslow Memorial Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Jacksonville July 11, 1944, a son of the late Hebert F. and Agnes Ellis Melton, he worked for many years as a auto mechanic at Base Motor Transport, Camp Lejeune, and Sanders Ford. He retired to Sneads Ferry to enjoy his favorite pastime, fishing. Besides his wife Gloria, he is survived by his daughter, Rose Ellen Alston and her husband George of Kinston, NC ;his son Donald Ray Melton Jr and his wife Penny of Bethel, NC; his step-daughter Dana; and his grandchildren, Dylan Melton, Isaiah Melton, Jeremiah Melton, Brandon Stevens, Marcus Alston, George Alston Jr., Nicholas Alston, Courtney Grant, Austin Grant, and several great-grandchildren. Besides his parents, Hebert and Agnes, he was predeceased by his sisters Ruth Elizabeth, Sadie Mae, Hilda Grace, Margie, Mavis Carolyn, and Joyce, and his brothers Louis Bryan and Herbert F., Jr. Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in the Johnson Funeral Chapel, 210 West Hargett Street in Richlands from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with services beginning at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Onslow Memorial Park. Share condolences to the family by clicking the "Share a Memory " tab