Billy Melson

Tupelo - Billy M. Melson, 82, died Saturday, January 15, 2011, at The North Mississippi Medical Center after an extended illness. He was born October 7, 1928 to Herbert and Chrisitine McGee Melson. He was a veteran of the United States Army, and was stationed in Alaska during the late 1940s. He retired at age 58 after 32 years of service as a sewing machine mechanic and in the Central Shop with Blue Bell Manufacturing. He then worked a number of years with the Tupelo Public Schools first as a bus driver and later in the bus shop. He was a member of Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church.

Services will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Pierce officiating. W. E. Pegues Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.

Survivors include his wife of over thirty years, Mary Gennell Melson of Tupelo, one daughter, Lisa Musser (Scott) of Boynton Beach, Florida; one son, Rick Melson (Sara) of Huntsville, Alabama; one step-daughter, Alisha Turner of Tupelo; one step-son, Wesley Turner of Tupelo; four grandchildren, Joni Melson and Anna Claire Melson both of Huntsville, Alabama, Coley Turner and Riley Turner both of Tupelo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Mildred, who died December 13, 1981, one step-daughter Karen Turner; one brother, Chalmers Melson; two sisters, Beatrice Woods and Charlene Smithey.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leroy Bedford, Ed Harrell, Clifton Shields, Bobby Gilmore, Mike Chase and Louis Clark.

Visitation will be 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tupelo Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund, 1650 N. Veterans Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38804.

Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.peguesfuneralhome.com