In the early morning hours of Thursday, September 15th, Rodney Alan Melton took his last breath and left his earthly home surrounded by family members. Rodney was born and raised in Lattimore and for the last 18 years made his home in Asheville. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, the late Worth and Reba Melton, Jimmy and Ruth Blanton, and countless other loved ones.

Rodney is survived by his son, Jeb, and daughter, Ruby, of Asheville; his parents, Tommy and Cindy Melton of Lattimore; his brother, Jeff Melton, sister-in-law, Jennifer, and their children Emma and Bryce of Boiling Springs; the loving mother of his children, Dava Allen Melton of Asheville; numerous extended family members, and community of friends who loved him dearly.

Rodney graduated from Crest High School in 1992 where he was a member of the marching band and men's basketball team. Following graduation from high school, Rodney continued his education and love for the game of basketball while attending Brevard Junior College. Rodney completed his bachelor's degree at Appalachian State graduating with a major in Outdoor and Recreation Management. He landed a job maintaining the trails of Grandfather Mountain and enjoyed hiking with his dog, Merlin. His time in Boone expanded his love for music where he discovered Doc Watson, and other legends on his favorite public radio station, WNCW. This began a lifetime passion for discovering music and in particular enjoying live shows, poignant songwriters and dusty, rough-and-tumble good times Americana.

Rodney moved his young family to Weaverville NC in 2004 where they were well received by the Jupiter community. He soon began his own professional window cleaning business, Window Insight. His specialty was high ladder work. He was at his most graceful and relaxed work state while setting up 24 and 32 foot ladders inside of his client's million dollar homes. His warm eyes and trusted smile kept his clients at ease and he would say, "Windows so clean you can see your future." He took great pride in his work and over the past several years had rebranded into Eagle Eye Window Cleaning and was on the cusp of redesigning his business to include property management. The past 6 years he worked part time with The Grey Eagle Music Hall, another community that he loved dearly.

He was a devoted father who adored his two children, Jeb and Ruby. As a young dad he joked about having a "Daddy's Daycare" with other young dads as they spent the weekends outside watching their kids play. He valued every single basketball game Jeb played during his youth, never missing a game. He and Ruby enjoyed supporting local musicians and their car rides with the windows down, listening to music and telling dad jokes. The three of them often found themselves at The Walk, yet another community of friends he adored and shared with his kids. The two admired their dad's sense of style and valued his wisdom and perspectives on life. Last year Rodney gifted Ruby and Jeb with Cartoon, the best dog ever, that will bring them so much joy for years to come. Laughing through Instagram reels, clowning around, and trips to the Goodwill or vintage shops in search of unique finds happened often between the three. Their last fun-filled outing was the NC State Fair just this past Monday, September 12th.

Ruby and Jeb share their dad's contagious warm spirit and love for life and their friends.

Everyone who knew Rodney appreciated his love for life and his kind soul. At an early age Rodney was able to make others laugh and build lasting friendships which remained true for his 48 years of life. He was always ready with a joke and a razz, and more than ready to receive them back. He loved people from all walks of life and never met a stranger. Rodney had a gift of recognizing and appreciating the uniqueness in all people. His spirit was free and contagious, salt of the earth. He literally wore his heart on his sleeve in the artwork that adorned his body. Influenced by the talents of his grandfather, Jimmy, who built furniture, Rodney appreciated the art of woodworking and practiced it in his spare time. Each piece of artwork he wore or made symbolized the journey of his life, his love for his children, music and his fellow man. Those who were lucky enough to spend time with Rodney will forever remember him as an individual who above all, was always himself.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 24th at the Double Springs Baptist Church Family Life Center from 1:30-2:30. Also, a Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday, September 25th at The Asheville Outpost (521 Amboy Rd, Asheville NC) from 2:00-9:00.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Rodney's passing, the family asked themselves which charity or nonprofit Rodney would want to support. We feel that his greatest wish would be for his children to receive any financial gifts friends and family feel inclined to give. Funds raised through the link below will directly benefit Jeb and Ruby in honor of their father and will be deposited into a savings account to be used towards their future endeavors.

https://gofund.me/f6ffaa76

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Melton family.