Henry Elisha Melton, age 91, died November 26, 2012. He was the son of the late Julius Joseph Melton and the late Minnie Searcy Melton. Henry served in the United States Merchant Marines as a shipboard radio operator during World War II. A lifelong resident of Rutherford County, he retired from WBBO as chief engineer and radio announcer after 40 years. After retirement, he worked for WWOL. Henry was an avid reader and story teller recalling many of the World War II events. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles in his spare time. Henry was a member of the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his two brothers, Stanley Paul Melton and Oliver Clayton Melton , and his sister, Iona Melton Gibbs. Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Melvina Ellenburg Melton; Two daughters, Janice Melton Hines of Japan and Kimberly June Melton and friend Cynthia Sylvester of New Mexico; One son and daughter-in-law, Gerald Scott Melton and Donna Koch of Virginia; One granddaughter, Jennifer Hines Melchior and husband, Scott John Melchior of Virginia and one grandson James Scott Melton of Virginia. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Betty Elrod Melton of South Carolina and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 30, 2012, at McMahan's Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Dean Baughn and Rev. Terry Honeycutt and Rev. Tim Marsh officiating. Interment services will follow at 2:00 pm in the chapel at Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery located at 962 Old US 70 West, Black Mountain, NC. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043 or the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 839, Rutherfordton, NC, 28139. Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com McMahan's Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.