Legendary figures remembered

Latasha Everson/The Tifton Gazette CNHI

TIFTON — A prominent man and woman of Tifton are being honored by their daughter, Rue’Nette Melton, and son, James “Bob” Washington. The late Daughtry Benjamin “Doc” Melton Sr. and his wife, the late Ella Dora Alexander Melton, are remembered by their family as being “a man among men” and “a virtuous woman.”

Mayor Jamie Cater proclaimed Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 as “Daughtry Benjamin ‘Doc’ and Ella D. Alexander Melton Sr. Day” in Tifton. In 1996, Melton also had a street named after him in Tifton — Doc Melton Sr. Drive — which was once called Peachtree Street. Rue’Nette said Melton’s daughter, Sharon Jones; his wife Ella; and Kitty Crawley were instrumental in getting the street name changed. She stated that Melton unfortunately died before he got to see this honor.

Melton paved the way for black politicians in Tift County when he became the first black man to seek public office here in 1966. In a past article by The Tifton Gazette, Melton at age 87 stated that he wasn’t trying to take over the Tift County government. “I just wanted to be a part of it,” Melton was quoted as saying, stating that the election for county commissioner in 1966 brought a lot of black and white people together.

“It was really hard, but it opened the way for other blacks,” Melton said at the time.

Melton came in third up against four whites, but his family was proud of him. Daughter Rue’Nette was quoted saying that she was proud to have a father who stood up. Melton lost the election to Ray Taylor, who he became good friends with and worked with on issues affecting south Tifton. Melton took what grocery money his family had and paid the $200 qualifying fee at the courthouse to run for county commissioner. His running for public office shocked a lot of people, blacks and whites, in the community, but Melton through all the prejudice he faced took a stand, because he felt that blacks didn’t have much representation in south Tifton back then.

Other accomplishments by Melton include the organization of The Tift County Improvement Club in 1959; he was instrumental in the changing of the mileage requirements for students in Unionville in 1964; and he was recognized for initiating a memorial for the Tift County school system to fly flags at half staff and have memorial announcements read for seven black students who were tragically killed in a school bus accident March 3, 1959.

Rue’Nette said she remembers the day her father ran for county commissioner.

“People lined up at the courthouse to see if he would qualify,” Rue’Nette stated. “He felt compelled to do what he was called to do. He was a visionary and an unselfish man. He was guided by God and continued to go after what he was led to do. He took a stand when no one else would. He believed in equal rights and knew of the injustice going on here and in surrounding towns back then. My mother encouraged him to take the grocery money to qualify for county commissioner.”

Rue’Nette announced Monday that her parents’ home and the home she and her two brothers and four sisters grew up in is being renovated by Washington, who was taken in as part of the family at a young age. The home is being organized into a museum named “Dee’s and Doc Melton Sr. Black Culture Center,” located at 1006 Doc Melton Sr. Drive. Visitors will be able to admire personal artifacts of Melton’s and Ella’s. Information on Melton’s contributions to his community and the first typewriter ever used by him and his wife is available to see in the center. Also, Melton’s hats, including the first hat he wore when he ran for county commissioner in Tift County, are in the center. Rue’Nette said the center teaches visitors the history of her mother and father, two people who deserve recognition.

“Both of my parents were God-fearing people who brought us up in a Christian home,” Rue’Nette said. “They taught us to love everybody and to do right by everybody. They were very involved in the church.”

Rue’Nette’s sister, Pat Melton, stated that history could not be adequately written if it had not been for her parents’ accomplishments.

“My parents deserve this honor,” Pat said. “I’m thankful that God gave my sister (Rue’Nette) the vision to do this.”

Melton’s grandson, Kelvin Jackson, was more of a son who was inspired by his grandfather. He said Melton taught him how to be a man, as well as the aspects and fundamentals of being a businessman. Melton and Ella owned eight businesses which were family-operated. In 1950, they erected and operated Melton’s Funeral Home. In 1956, Melton chartered and licensed The National Benevolent Burial Association Insurance, Inc. In 1958, he and his wife erected and owned The Almine Restaurant and gas station.

Rue’Nette stated that Jackson is the next “Doc” Melton and will continue on with the history of Melton and Ella through the center.

All of Melton and Ella’s seven children attended college and received degrees in various areas of professionalism. Rue’Nette, who is a certified licensed elementary teacher, said she decided four weeks ago to organize a museum honoring her parents. She stated that her mother died on Valentine’s Day in 2004 and that’s where the idea to do a museum began. She said that she found various artifacts of her parents throughout the home by the grace of God and talked to older siblings to piece all the information together. Rue’Nette said she and Washington worked hard days and nights to organize the museum.

“God had a vision for me to do this and I wanted to make sure that they (Melton and Ella) get the recognition they deserve for their accomplishments in Tifton and surrounding counties,” Rue’Nette said. “My father gave to the community. He was a giant man among men who wasn’t afraid to stand up for what was right. He was a powerful man who loved God first, his wife and children.”

Rue’Nette is also offering free tutoring services to students from noon to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the center. She said students can come after school for about an hour for tutoring in any subject, and she’s willing to make any accommodations for parents who may have to work. Rue’Nette noted that a parent or whoever brings the child to tutoring must remain with him or her until the session is over. She stated that this will give them a chance to educate and quiz themselves on history during that time. There is an area set up where visitors can look over the history of many prominent people in the past who helped shaped Tifton's future. A laptop computer is available for students to use during tutoring, as well as reading about the lives of Melton and Ella.

Rue’Nette is hoping to also offer parenting classes at the center. She stated that she hopes the community will become involved with the tutoring services and that contributions are accepted for the center. Washington will also be working with people on information with business referrals through the center. He has his own business called “JMW Repairs.” People can contact him at 339-0726 or e-mail him at ellanbe@mchsi.com.

“Our services are free,” Rue’Nette said. “I want to carry on the legacy of my parents to help others; that’s what it’s all about.”

Since it is Black History Month, Rue’Nette stated that Monday was a day of love and dedication as family members and friends filled the home admiring the many accomplishments of Melton and the encouragement of Ella as she stood by his side to make a better future for their children and minorities in the community.

To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.

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