Earl Martin Melton

Earl Martin Melton, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Feb. 28, 2026.

Martin was affectionately called M-squared (M2) by his closest friends and Dad or Daddy by his wife and three children. His grandchildren lovingly called him Pops and Old GOAT (Greatest of All Time).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Allison and Liz Melton and older sister Faye Griffith.

Martin is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anna Gale Melton, and their three children, five grandchildren, a great-grandson and two siblings. Older daughter Marsha Melton Banks is married to William Andrew Banks, Sr. and proud mom to Andrew “Drew” Martin Meloan (married to Marisa and the father to James Atlas), and William “Liam” Andrew Banks Jr. His son, Douglas Martin Melton, is married to Kimberly Stewart Melton and proud father to son William Martin Melton (married to Laurel Briley) and daughter Hope Patrice Melton Blair (married to David Blair). Younger daughter Jeri Allison Melton is the proud mother to Lauren Elizabeth. He is also survived by his younger sister, Mary (Zane) Ferguson and her sons Jeff and Mark Crowe; and his brother, Eugene Melton and his two daughters, Jamie Melton Anderson and Lorie Melton Hunt, and son Erick Allison Melton; and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the grandchildren are asking for donations to be made celebrating Pops and Nonna’s precious Yorkie companion Lady Bug to the Birmingham Humane Society, Care Humane Society in Auburn, Ala., or the Lake Martin Animal Rescue in Dadeville, Ala.

Our loving Dad was born and raised in Trussville, Ala., graduating Hewitt-Trussville High School in 1957 before being the first in his family to graduate college. As captain of the football team, he married his high school sweetheart Anna Gale Gladden on Jan. 17, 1958, a day they would celebrate and hold in high regard for 68 years. Mom and Dad had an unwavering commitment to each other solidified by their faith in God and love of adventure. Through their 68-year courtship, they had a connection that’s rare and truly like no other. They conquered countless milestones and blazed their own path forward, moving 38 times in their first 16 years together. No matter where they hung their hats and gloves, Mom and Dad were sure to join a local Church of Christ while also connecting with friends and family on the golf course, at the lake or in the mountains. They traveled extensively across the United States and internationally, always staying in touch with new friends made along the way. They also held long-time memberships at Vestavia Church of Christ, Hoover Country Club and the AU Club.

Dad graduated Auburn University in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in Building Science and started on his career journey as a fire inspector trainee. Dad’s talent for setting and upholding established standards led him to work for Rust Engineering. He made a name for himself as a forward-thinking, hard-nosed negotiator and mentor to many in the pulp and paper industry. Dad retired in September of 1998 after traveling the world serving as Vice President of Maintenance/International for BE&K. Dad pursued excellence in all aspects of his life. He wasn’t perfect, but his heart was always in the right place as a great provider, protector, mentor, and neighbor.

Dad’s mind was relentlessly focused on staying ahead of maintenance needs at the family home, the lake house and homes of his children and grandchildren. He relaxed by spending time with his family as the site manager on countless home improvement projects. He was a masterful landscaper and architectural designer, building two family homes and orchestrating countless deck builds and home remodels throughout the years.

He was readily available to share his many talents with family, friends, neighbors and coworkers or anyone who asked.

Dad will be missed in more ways than we can express. He was the family’s official weather man, grill master, boat captain and Hobe Cat sailing guide. He was our rock. Go rest high on that mountain, Dad. Your work on Earth is done.