Wilbur Lamar Melton was born March 1, 1952, in Florence, SC to the late Ross and Marie Wright Melton. He transitioned from this life on December 7, 2022, after a brief illness.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Edward Melton, Joseph Melton, and John Ross Melton, Jr. and his sisters, Myrtle Timmons, Mary Alice Melton, and Patricia Ann Harrison.

Wilbur attended Florence County schools. After having various jobs as a young man, he retired as a forklift driver for Ingram Lumbar Company, a job he truly loved.

Wilbur was Christian and enjoyed visiting Majority Baptist Church.

He loved his family and friends. Even though he didn't have any children of his own, he loved them dearly and they loved him. He was also a true Dallas Cowboys Fan.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his long-time companion, Thomasina Smalls Harrell of Florence, SC, special nieces, Anita Harrison of Charlotte, NC and Marie Richey, of Augusta GA; the family he shared with Thomasina, Raynaldo (Valencia) Smalls, honorary grandchildren Raynaldo G. Smalls and Semira Smalls of Fayetteville, NC, Khenan Smalls, Frank Gandy, and Angel Smalls of Hope Mills, NC; godchildren Brandalyn Curry, Christopher Floyd, and Savannah Graham all of Florence, SC; special neighbor and friend, Shannon Gillespie of Florence, SC;  a host of other relatives and friends.