Ernest Vernon Melton, Jr. was born October 14, 1940 in Gates, NC to the late Ernest Vernon Melton, Sr. and Susie Ballard Melton. At an early age Ernest became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Gates, NC. Ernest graduated from Central High School in Gatesville, NC. After graduating from high school Ernest moved to New Jersey and that became his home for over 60 years. Ernest worked for United Airlines at Newark International Airport and Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lyons, NJ before starting his own cleaning service which afforded him the opportunity to clean office buildings in Middlesex County and Union County, NJ.
Ernest was a member of Antioch Christian Church in New Brunswick, NJ. Ernest loved to travel and also to host family and friends at annual cookouts in NC.
Along with his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Brenda B. Melton, siblings, Elaine M. Evans, Shirley Melton, Walter Melton, Cornell Melton, Charles Melton and Robert “Bobby” Melton.
Ernest leaves to cherish his memory his son James “Butch” Melton, a very special niece who he loved like a daughter Alisha V. Melton, a daughter in love Aminah Abdul-Khabir (Yah-Yaa) grandsons in love Samir and Zayd Abdul-Hakim; a special cousin who was like a brother Russell Hall; sister-in-law Mildred E. Melton, brothers-in-law Delton Bond, Barry Eure and Tyron Bond; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.