RAYMOND EDWARD MELTON

Melton, Raymond Edward, Jr., 66, from Powhatan, currently residing in Chesterfield, Virginia, passed away on June 17, 2023, after a short stay at Laurels of Bon Air Nursing Home, where he was staying for rehabilitation.   Raymond was born on January 7, 1957, to Raymond Edward Melton, Sr. and Julia McFarland Melton, both of whom preceded him in death.  He is survived by his sister, Diane Roper (Mike), his nephew Adam Roper (Kay Kay), and his niece Amie Sturgill (Spanky), as well as many great nieces and great nephews.  Raymond loved his job in upholstery and had many lifelong friends throughout his career.  His first love was horses.  He had much knowledge of them and loved to share his wisdom with others even though he had been unable to ride for many years.  He still talked to many of his long-time friends and kept up with the horse industry and so enjoyed those conversations.  Amongst his many achievements, he won All-American Quarter Horse Congress two years in a row for Youth Break Away Roping.  He also had numerous awards from the National Reining Horse Association and the Virginia Quarter Horse Association.  He loved to keep up with his family in the barrel racing industry as well.  When you walked in his house, you were immediately reminded of how proud he was of his nephew, Adam Roper, as the first thing you saw was a plaque hanging on his wall of Adam winning the NBHA Colonial Nationals.  If you went a little further, his daddy's hat was on the lamp shade and his old chaps were sitting on the sofa.  Raymond's end wish was to be cremated and to have his ashes spread on a horse arena.  We plan to honor his wish and do so in Powhatan, Virginia, at his old home place.   We would be honored to have his family and friends join us for a celebration of life on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:00 AM located at Doug & Tammy Minton's, 2221 Sigourney Street, Powhatan VA, 23139.  Please come dressed in western attire or anything you deem comfortable.